TIME FOR A LITTLE HO HO HO

It’s Friday, the end of a hectic week. Have you smiled much this week? I need a laughter break. How about you? The Bible says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). So, how about a little humor to end the work week?

The message of Christmas depicts much joy. The long-awaited Messiah had come! God sent ONE angel to the shepherds, bringing them “good tidings of great joy.” While one angel was declaring the good news, the rest of the angels couldn’t stand “watching on the sidelines” and rushed down to join the celebration.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).

If the message of Jesus’ birth is joyful, why is joy so hard to maintain? I believe it's because of what we expect of ourselves. Even in my mid-seventies, I'm still figuring things out. I'm still confused about why I let things bother me and bring me down. I think one of the reasons is that Satan wants to diminish our joy so that he can dim our spiritual light. Philippians 2:14-15 instructs the Christian to, “Do all things without murmurings (complaining) and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

While you're running errands, take a moment for people-watching. What is it that you see? Are you seeing mostly happiness and goodwill, or negativity and hopelessness? The Christian's joy is vital; without it, we can't reflect God's light.

My goal in today’s blog is to slow us down, tickle our funny bone, and bellow out a few laughs. Shall we begin with a game?

When I say a word, let me know the first thing that comes to mind.

Are you ready?

SANTA

What thought popped into your head?

For me, it’s Santa’s greeting, “Ho Ho Ho!”

After wondering why Santa’s greeting is so popular, I did a quick internet search. Below is what I found:

• The phrase is believed to have originated from the 19th-century poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”

• It was popularized in the 1930s by Coca-Cola’s advertising campaigns featuring Santa.

• The cheerful laugh reflects Santa’s jolly and merry personality.

• Variations of the phrase have appeared in various Christmas literature and media.

• The phrase has become a staple in modern depictions of Santa Claus.

One way to incite a good laugh is to interview a child about Christmas. You might find the following comments amusing.

“The three wise men brought Jesus presents of gold and silver. But I think he would have preferred wrestling toys.”  ~A five-year-old

 Letters to Santa:

o   “Don’t worry if Jack, our dog, barks! He doesn’t mean to be bad. Making a bark is just what dogs do. So please leave the presents anyway. If you are very, very scared to come in if Jack barks, then could you just leave the presents outside?”

o   “If I wake up, please don’t go away without leaving presents - you made a lot of noise last year, and I couldn’t help it, I heard and my eyes just kind of opened! But you left nice presents. Please can you do the same again even if my eyes open up?”

o   “Can Mrs. Santa come instead? I’m deeply sorry, but I’m scared of you!”

o   “Do you just have one set of clothes? Who washes them for you? My mom can do it if you don’t have a mom of your own?” [i]

One last chuckle to make you smile.

“The room became quiet when this seven-year-old said, ‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.’”

Enjoy the wonder of this season and remember, laughter is good for the soul.

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS

How to get ready for Christmas in 30 minutes or less!

• Purchase a tree already decorated and with lights – let your family know you are starting a “new tradition!”

• Never wrap a gift with wrapping paper; use gift bags. People would rather have the bag than the gift!

• Avoid slaving over a hot stove while baking. Purchase cookies and candy, place in a container labeled, "Made Special for You."

• Serve ready-made soup and sandwiches while cheerfully exclaiming, “Another new tradition.”

Remember – as Rachael Ray would say, “If it takes more than 30 minutes– it’s not Christmas!”