NO tHat doEsn’t looK right now does it?  Do you think you got this? You think you know what I am talking about?

Game on. I can play nice, but that doesn’t mean I am going to let you win. If I did, that would be a bunch of solids.

Let’s see if you’re right. I am going to vent. Yep, here is my:

 Ad to Vent about Christmas 

Before we officially get started, we should go over the terms of the game and the only one rule of the game – if you consent of course. 

Terms:

1. Adventus is the Latin root of the word Advent, that we know so well. It means arrival. 
2. Cristes Maesse is Old English for yep, you guessed it… what we all know as Christmas.

Rule:

1. Positivity only. If a player is negative, they automatically lose the game. AKA you can’t be a grinch. 

If I am honest, Christmas is not my favorite holiday. Historically, it is a tough time of year for me. As a kid there was always something missing. That would be my Dad. Even though it wasn’t a conscious thought, I am most positive in reflection, that my fathers death when I was 7 and lack of presence at such an important time of year, is the root of my curmudgeon attitude. As I grew into adulthood, the root of my attitude became more scrooged. Bipolar activity and seasonal challenges directly related to light and or lack thereof, at this time of year, added to my evidence. With the additional stress of multiple birthdays celebrated in my family just days before Christmas, I became more and more focused on the exploitations of the birth of Christ. 

Here is just a short list (negative focus facts) of my view on Christmas Past(s):

1. Santa – Another lie. 
2. $ecular manipulation of the meaning of Gift.
3. People who aren’t even Christian, who celebrate Christmas.
4. People who claim to be Christian, but only celebrate Christmas.
5. People who claim to be celebrating Christmas, but their religion is fundamentally based on false idols. 
6. Expectations of others. Aka – looking to take, rather than give. 

In more recent years at the request of my wife and family and well…for the better of myself and my family and others…and truly for the sake of JESUS…

I HAVE CHANGED MY ATTITUDE

While Thanksgiving is still my favorite holiday, I have come to find JOY in the Christmas season. My family is the root of why I decided that I needed to put a cheer on. I have addressed my bipolar challenges and take extra precautions during this time of the year. As we approach the shortest day of the year, I purposely put myself outside to get as much sunlight as possible. I choose not to wear sunglasses, to let as much light in as possible. I embrace the JOY in the pre-Chirstmas birthday celebrations – because after all, they are people who I love dearly. I focus on THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Here is a short list of my CHANGED ATTITUDE (positive focus facts) of my view of Christmas Future(s):

1. THE REAL JESUS is the reason for the season. 
2. Traditions of the season, both with my family and the Church.
3. Focus on the PURPOSE OF THE GIFT OF JESUS, which strengthens my family and my church.

I actually do have a favorite Christmas song. Christmas Canon by Trans-Syberian Orchestra moves me in ways only God’s hand can. 

As we prepare.
As we await.
As we anticipate.
As we approach.
As we LEAD UP TO.
AS WE HOPE!

For this Christmas Season…

LET OUR HEARTS UNLEASH THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

Advent – Christmas.