In Buffalo, our neighbor to the South, they have banned singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas".
In three days of continuous blizzards driving off Lake Erie, the city has accumulated about six feet of snow.
Major high ways and streets have been shut down, public transport is no longer running, at least eleven people have died, the National Guard has been called out, roofs have collapsed and rumor has it that Santa is going to by-pass the city on his way south from the Pole.
Not only is Bing Crosby and his White Christmas song not welcome in Buffalo but also the whole notion of global warming has suddenly become unpopular.
Temperatures last year were the coldest in this part of the country for a hundred years and this season seems about to follow suit.
This post goes out to many parts of the world and you all will have your own views on climate change. However, for us who live in Canada or close by, forgive us for praying, "Lord, please send us a little global warming for Christmas."
Jubilate.
Ian
How do we know when the Christmas season has arrived?
Back in my early days living in the city of York, in England, the sound of carol singers around the doors heralded the advent of exciting days ahead. That was usually around the second week in December.
Now, in 2014, the season seems to have come early. I wonder why?
The beginning of November seems to be the starting line for the great crescendo. It is when I see the Salvation Army volunteers with bell, kettle and "God Bless You" in the local mall.
Today I asked a well dressed lady manning her post if she knew the name of the founder of the organization. Although well educated she knew nothing of General Booth. Did she know what was the motto on the Salvation Army battle flag? No. She didn't know it was "Blood and Fire" "Blood" for the blood of Christ: "Fire" for the power of the Holy Spirit.
Did she know that the official publication of the Salvation Army was a paper called "The War Cry" Again it was a negative. Then suddenly , in a moment of inspiration, she suddenly said: "Ah, that's why they call it the SALVATION Army.
Got it dear!
Amazing what time, allied to over-familiarity, will do.
Turn "Blood and Fire" into "Thank You" and "God Bless You "
Jubilate.
Ian
