A Digital Future?

I for one love to hold a physical, real book within my hands and snuggling upon my lap. That's just me, though. Actually, it's not just me, it's other's as well! I was reminded of this preference of mine during a therapy session yesterday, on the day they call, "black Friday". I have wondered why the day after the Thanksgiving holiday is dubbed as `black`Friday? It has little to nothing to do with color but it paints a subliminal
message of darkness and selfish gain! Not ingredients which lead us into the most celebrated and covetous day of the entire year...Christmas! Sadly, this holiday has become all about being first in line, first in decorating~prize of our neighborhood and care d it card bills which usually get maxed~out by Spring time!

I don't like the dark connotation that has slithered it's way into this special day of giving like a black snake in the grass! It was never intended to be labeled as the most competitive time of the year but as a time of being thankful for the greatest gift of all time, Jesus Christ the LORD! No, I am not naive but I am well~aware of message given by major corporations and even small stores as to the intended goal on the day after our Thanksgiving meals and family time together! It's about profit and greed! There are no two ways about it and it's not hidden from us at all. In fact, it is paraded as the best day to get the best deals of the official shopping~season! 

Doesn't it seem somewhat strange to us that one day after we
Have enjoyed our families and wonderful, well~prepared meals that hour's later we change into a self~centered, rude and on some occasions even dangerous all because it is our goal to get the "deal of the holiday" during this time? It causes me to pause and wonder...Have we gone mad, as a society? The answer may be surprising to most.

An entire generation can remember what the Christmas holiday brought with it. My generation remembers the joy of decorating trees, houses and whole towns with such beautiful lighting and slowing down from the hustle and bustle of every day life while smiling and being kinder to those around us than we have most of the year! The season of jingle bells, horse~drawn carriage rides, a cold but enjoyable time outside, playing touch football in the backyard. Most of all and most importantly, the true reason for Christmas....the birth of the Christ. The redeemed of mankind! Wooooooooooo! That's what fires me up over everything else.

It is my hope and prayer that, as a society, we can return to that kind of celebration, gift~giving, thankful and worshipful attitude once again before it becomes too late and the at which is called, "black Friday" and now "cyber Monday" expands into an entire year of nothing but greed, hurt and unhappiness! If we do not turn, this kind of atmosphere and treatment of Christmas awaits us in the near~future! 

May we rise together as one generation who remembers the truth of Christmas and spreads that joyful attitude to the present and future generation to come. 


Jeff pendleton
11/26/16