A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22

So there is this great debate about Christmas decorations that pops up every year around the end of November. How soon is too soon? When should the lights go up? How much is too much?

Traditionally, I have weighed in to favor a more conservative approach. Not to the extent Rebekah’s parents did, leaving the tree undecorated until Christmas Eve, but at the very least let’s please wait until after Thanksgiving.

Then at the tail end of the season I’m a huge advocate for the full Twelve Days of Christmas all the way through Epiphany. None of this throwing baby Jesus and the angels back in the attic the moment the last present is unwrapped.

But this year I think I’m shifting into more of a “whatever floats your boat” approach. So you want to be festive a little longer? Go for it. Dancing Santas on your roof? Lights all over the house the beginning of November? Why not? Put up the tree while you’re at it. Knock yourself out! But at least water the poor thing every couple of days or you may be looking at Tannenbaum Flambé in early December rather than a partridge in your pear tree on the 25th.

Our neighbor Mike got a good start lighting the outside of his lovely historic home this past weekend (key image, above), the Christmas wreaths are up on Main Street already, and apparently our grandchildren have already decorated their tree in Orlando.

Take a Stand and Sparkle!

This year, I applaud you all. You see, the world right now is not exactly a festive place, especially here in the USA where so much that we hear about is downright Scrooge-ish: mean-spirited, unscrupulous, unkind and indecent.

I say, let’s protest by blowing up our community with kindness and generosity and encouragement and grace and – yes – tons more sparkle and twinkly lights! How about this for a slogan? Go festive or go home!

I say stick it to those kill-joys by lighting up the entire place. Maybe the next protest against the current darkness could march down the National Mall draped in Christmas bling, or swarm Congress dressed as Christmas Trees blazing with light and covered with Chrismons, symbols of light and peace.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.

There is only one way to fight darkness and that is with light; there is only one way to overcome meanness and that is intentional kindness; there is only one way to neutralize greed and that is through generosity; there is only one way to move beyond mistrust and that is by practicing trust; there is only one way to counter exclusion and that is extravagant hospitality; there is only one way to lead with real strength and authority and that is in humility.

Sometimes we just have to shine – DEREK

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:4-5