Today’s Thought “Holiday Road” G. Ward Matthew 1 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations. Oh, the spirit of Christmas cards received and Vesper Services that gathers any onto remembrance of the Savior’s entry! Then comes the excitement in the weird anticipation of a desired gift expressed to those closest to us and awakening to a lavishly decorated box of sorts holding those chocolate diamonds, exorbitantly priced video game systems and overpriced sneakers. We’re now exposed to some suggestive of not being in the Christmas spirit; translation, “I’ve spent too much on others in times past to receive very little or no reciprocity.” Moreover, they don’t even pick up the telephone to call anymore. Then the sentiment of the religious, “they took the Christ out of Christmas!” The “they” may truly be the “we” meaning those who give presents to others when it’s celebratory of Jesus’ entry for our redemption. Isn’t what has become the most self-absorbed (i.e. material) holiday that to which has been for a very long time? “Black Friday” empties onto broke Tuesday because of self-imposed forgetfulness that translates unfaithfulness and carols sung, elaborate decorations and greetings in the marketplace (unfounded in other seasons) vs. spiritual remembrance of Via Dolorosa (a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion.) is forsaken. Can we do better (Jer.17:9)?