By Mark Weyermuller -
For the past several years I’ve been posting a Christmas Nativity scene a day on Facebook and Twitter. This includes front lawns, table displays, churches, and even a live children’s nativity children’s service featuring a donkey, four sheep, and a 1500-pound camel. I collect table nativity sets with about 75 in my collection. This year Hobby Lobby had about hundred different ones, including nativity ornaments but upon a visit this week they are almost completely sold out. I did purchase this week several nativity coloring books which are pretty cool.
In recent years, many feel there has been a war on Christmas trying to make is more of a secular or non-religious holiday. There continues to be a growing trend with people saying "Happy Holidays!" rather then "Merry Christmas!" Still, I like all decorations for all faiths and beliefs.
But what’s up all the unicorns? Also I don’t recall Yoda and the rest of the Star Wars crew being connected with Christmas. Still I like all the decorations and lights, especially the mangers with a Baby Jesus.
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" is one of my favorite movies. It debuted in 1965 on CBS. Nowadays it’s not shown much and sometimes the clip below is taken out. Watch as Linus explains the real meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown. Linus drops his blanket n the touching moment while reading this Bible verse: Luke 2:10: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Watch when Linus drops the blanket. I still get chills and excited when he says “FEAR NOT.”
It would not be the holidays if we didn’t discuss politics.
After the new year, I will continue to post my “empty storefronts a day” on social media highlighting the people, jobs, and businesses leaving Illinois with much of the blame being bad public policy. This includes massive property taxes and the pension mess.
Starting next week after the new year, the US Congress will return to discuss the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. The Iowa caucus will be a month away on Monday February 3, 2020 to officially start to pick the democratic nominee for president.
Then just 314 days from today , the General Election will be Tuesday November 3, 2020.
Merry Christmas!
