Halloween decorations went up for some in September. Christmas decorations in stores began around Halloween. The people who come and hang lights for people at Christmas are all over my neighborhood. I love It all. However, I refuse to forget Thanksgiving. I am trying to focus on being thankful as I write this instead of the chaos that surrounds Christmas. However, Christmas dominates holidays. It is the one we focus on the most. I read an article the other day about a family that had immigrated to America and were of a non-Christian religion. They decided Christmas was a very American thing to do so they taught their children about the gifts, parties, and idea of Santa Claus. It was not a religious holiday for them but just a secular celebration. We have made Christmas secular chaotic. Janie and I were in Bethlehem a couple weeks after Christmas ten years ago. The decorations around the nativity were still up. It was serene. There is a peace that surrounds the church of the Nativity. The shepherd’sfield isjust a stones’ throw from the church. They were out watching their flocks. It probably was cold; it does get cold in Jerusalem this time…

I accepted the role of pastor on a temporary basis. I was tagged with interim pastor by the conference as well as myself. The goal was to do this for 3 months and then see how it was going. Threemonths are well passed and it is time to remove the interim idea. It looks like we are stuck together. I no longer see myself asinterim pastor but Senior Pastor which refers more to my age thanmy position. We have some details to work out, but I see us doingthat after the first of the year. I have communicated with the conference [Mid-TexasConference] that I am willing to surrender the position when the right person comes along. It has to be right for that person and the people of Oak Grove. There will be more people available as time goes on but there is nothing just right for this great church at this time. It puts us in a great position. I don’t need to be reappointed to another place, so they don’t have to find a place for me. That means there is only one place to fill which makes it much, mucheasier. It is also a great position to…