Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons, and Brendan's Christmas.

This is my son. And his stuffed dog blanket, Bob. He's reading a classic comic strip in a deluxe edition. Calvin and Hobbes was a delight for me back in the 90s. It was a gift from his sisters and his Mom and I. It's a pleasure to see him getting such joy from that little miscreant and his stuffed tiger.

I recently read a great article reminding me of the shallow nature of our cultural approach to Christmas (sorry, I can't find the link.) It reminded me of the wonder we are to carry into the season regarding the all-surpassing glory of Christ in his incarnation. Brendan tends to be very selfish with his treasured Christmas gifts. He just got mad at Adele for reading one of the four new books in the set. but his "ownership" of that gift was entirely dependent on others (Adele being one of the contributors.)

So I'm asking myself, "Do I value the glory of Christ above the gifts I give and receive?" One of the most terrifying verses in scripture is Matthew 10:37.

37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Is there anything that I love more than Christ? Favorite show? Football? Person? Comfort? Anything? Guess what... it's an idol. A good question to ask regularly. If you are not willing to sell it or give it away, you might need to sell it or give it away.

If this makes you uncomfortable, then you should ask the question again.

It makes me uncomfortable.