The Virtual Pew: Are You Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Has anyone ever wondered how it is we get all excited about a white Christmas? I have. I think it has to do with the concept of Santa coming in during the mid of winter on his sled. This character seems to have contributed a lot to the way we in North America celebrate Christmas, that is of course unless you live in South Florida, Southern California, The tip of Texas or Hawaii. If someone lives anyplace else it seems as if there is the hope and dreams of a white Christmas.

I am not sure where the desires started. I have heard that in other parts of the world Santa travels in a different way, in Holland I know he is portrayed as traveling on a boat. I have seen photos of him on a surfboard in Hawaii, and I know that in parts of Europe he travels on the back of a donkey. So I know the concept of Santa on a sled is not the sole reason for the white Christmas wishes we seem to have in North America.

I think part of the reason has to do with the success of certain movies, movies such as White Christmas. Our society is heavily influenced by things like movies, books and the arts in general. This is a sad thing to think about with the cut backs to the arts in recent history.

Many people do not realize how much their perceptions have been influenced by others. Whether commercials, or movies, the news media, or books, we have all had outside sources influence our perceptions. I guess the question I have, is how much have our perceptions of Christmas been influenced by these outside sources. The real meaning of Christmas is found in various books of The New Testament when we read about the birth of Jesus and the events that surrounded it. It doesn't take much of an effort to refocus out thoughts about Christmas. All we have to do is turn to the pages of the Bible and take a read that will last no longer than 30 minutes.

I have heard that the new movie The Nativity does a pretty good job of painting the images of the Bible onto the screen. I plan on seeing the movie prior to Christmas day and hope those stories are true. I know I need the reminder as to the real meaning of Christmas, and I tend to focus on it with my vocation.

If I tend to focus on a daily basis on the real meaning of Christmas and need reminders, how much of a reminder do those that never focus on the purpose need a reminder? I am not trying to chastise anyone with this thought, just ask the question that I assume we can all answer. The challenge for today, as you watch the videos is to take the time to read the Christmas story in the Bible. I prefer the Luke story but there are other places to read about the birth of Jesus. Take a read, enjoy the story, and think about the true meaning. Then refocus for a little while during this Christmas season on what the season is really all about.

Now before we get to the videos today, hopefully everyone will remember to pass the blogs along to your friends. The Christmas Special blogs from TVP can help a lot of people. You can show them what we are doing by Clicking Here at this Link. They can also get in the Christmas Spirit by http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/2006/11/virtual-pew-news-7-christmas-giving.html and on the front page scroll down to the left hand side of the page where you sill see our store. Your purchases through our Amazon store provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something on the page to buy, you can click on the search engine for the store, (do not put anything in the search box at this time) and you will then be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully as you shop for Christmas you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew and/or at the very least shop our store. The items on the store page are highly recommended.

Now prior to checking out the videos for the day, here is that information, contact and contribution information regarding The Virtual Pew. Again, thanks for visiting, have a Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate. Just remember though, from The Virtual Pew, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

Contact and Giving Information

Oh Yea, here is that contact information again.

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Or you van give on line via Pay Pal at: http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

To become a part of The Virtual Pew, visit, http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ To learn more about me visit http://www.furches.org/ I am also active on MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/mikefurches I have another blog at http://blog.myspace.com/mikefurches To visit the Hollywood Jesus group at MySpace with membership by numerous Hollywood Jesus reviewers visit: http://groups.myspace.com/hollywoodjesus For a more in depth weekly study and conversation you an visit: http://virtualpewsermon.blogspot.com/ where you can access deeper teaching and ultimately videos for viewing and teaching. You can also subscribe to the newsletter at www.thevirtualpew.com or see the newsletter on line at http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/ You can also sign up for the free newsletter from The Virtual Pew by visiting the main page for The Virtual Pew, or you can see the newsletters online by visiting this web site: http://thevirtualpewnews.blogspot.com/ You can contact me via email at mike@furches.org or mike@thevirtualpew.com For those interested in knowing more about my own story, contact me for a free e-copy of my book The Keystone Kid in pre-edit form.

Carrie Underwood Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas