Like I said on the front page, we put our tree up on Sunday. Putting up a Christmas tree is no easy task and should not be undertaken lightly. Getting things just so requires patience and grace. Turning on the lights for the first time can be magical or maddening. When they all work, Handel's Messiah. When they don't the strains of a dirge spill forth. This year, all the lights work and they look great.

Macau also puts up lights for Christmas. Down in the central square they have been working for the past few days to string up lights and build the Christmas tree. It is a wonderful thing that in this oh so worldly city the symbols of Christmas still break forth, calling people to stop and wonder. For the next few weeks, the city will be full of symbols and signs pointing people towards the greater and deeper meaning of Christmas. Sure, many people will miss the meaning. But many others will have opportunity to wonder and in their wonder they may actually dig deeper and seek the truth.

There is an old proverb, perhaps a Chinese proverb, that says, "When the wise man points to the moon, the fool looks at the finger." It's my hope that this year more and more people will be found to be wise as they seek the truth and the real reason for this season.

Peace!

Tags: Holidays, Culture