I could not let one of my favorite Christmas decorations in Villa Obregon pass unnoticed on Christmas. It is so -- Mexican.
It has everything. Bells. Lights. Wise men. Santa. Reindeer. A Christmas tree. The pope (the dead one, not the German). Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Well, almost everything. It is a rather good example what can happen when we focus on the surface celebration.
I could not find the baby Jesus anywhere. Apparently, neither could the wise men. They appear to be helping Santa get over that balcony rail. Chimneys being rarer than street lights in my small fishing village by the sea.
I have had the flu (or a very bad cold) for most of the past week. And I decided three days in bed was enough.
It was Christmas Eve and my church was holding an evening service.
I am glad I went. Not because that is where God is. He isn't. Or, not just there.
But he does work through the hands of a community that appreciates the value of sharing grace. The reason we celebrate this season is to remember that we are to love God and to share that love with one another. Not just on Christmas, but every moment we share. Every day.
After the service I drove home and had dinner at The Frog -- a nice bowl of sopa de tortilla. I am now ready to climb back in bed.
Mind you. I will not get sleep. The firecrackers that could impersonate strip mining in West Virginia have commenced.
I trust you shall all have a Christmas of sharing grace with one another. And that each of your days will be blessed.
