Fotos Posted
It was a bright and beautiful on the Day After the Storm they didn't forecast. So I got some more pictures and have now posted them all over at the PMPilgrim Fotopage. By the way, the total was 9.5"

To Humbug or Not
Wow, Pen, you certainly don't shy away from controversy. He has posted over at The Gutless Pacifist a rant about Christmas and the many traditions that have nothing to do with it. Here's part of it:

So why do church people do all this stuff -- just to celebrate the birth of the savior? Was there a trimmed Christmas tree at the Manger? Did Bethlehem have a 30% off sale the day after Christmas? Did Joseph have to find a little trinket for Mary so that he wouldn't have to 'hear it again this year...'? What about all the food? Surely the three magi were supposed to bring a potluck and not frankincense and myrrh (of course we all know that gold is acceptable to pay for the fried chicken...)?

I happen to be a fool for Christmas so I am not on the same page as Pen on this one. I have been collecting info on all aspects of Christmas for years and just love the whole season. But Pen does make me ask myself what it is about the season that is so enchanting and enticing.

It has been for me a time of preparation for remembering the birth of my Savior. Some of it is I love the lights that break the gloom of the winter. Some of it is I like figuring out some unique gift to get my wife each year. Some of it is the promise of life and hope that the season brings.

Some of what Pen raises in the post are essential reminders for us as followers of the Baby whose birth we celebrate. It reminds us that we must always keep our focus on Jesus. But not, I hope, to the exclusion of fun and joy.