Happy People Everywhere?

Take a look at each of these pictures. What do you see? Is it just me or is there something about these that don't match up with reality? Some of you are with me already while others of you are blissfully unaware. (Not always a bad quality!)

My family spent the day together today and one of our stops was the mall. I saw alot of shoppers. Some in the mall, some in the parking lot with shopping bags in hand, ready to head home, while others were taking a meal break in restuarants. BUT, for the most part they didn't seem very "happy" if you know what I mean. I saw road rage in the parking lot over that one open space, and kids crying at every turn. I saw lines so long that it was stressful just to walk by them. I can't imagine actually being in one! But every person in the pictures is really happy, and we should be too right? Couples smiling at each other...families happy with no apparent tension or sibling rivalries...and what's up with the smiling couple with bags and stacks of gifts? I wonder if they know how much money they just spent...and if so why are they still smiling?

I'm just poking fun, but the reality for many people during this time of year is over spending, the fear of having to go to a family gathering where "all isn't well", marital frustration, STRESS etc. It's a bit ironic that the angels announcement about the Christmas Season (Jesus birth) was "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth..." If we truly embraced the message of Christmas, peace would be our reality, not just the "staged pictures." That is what our current series at Ridge Church, "Choosing Christmas" is all about. If you could use a little more peace in your life, or know someone that could, then you need to make plans to be at Ridge Church for this series. See you soon.