If you find the words "Lee's Summit" on your to do list, please let me know since I will most likely be resting in that general neck of the planet over the Christmas break. Harrisonville is just down the road from L.S.

Christmas fact Number 2: Many times we might find ourselves taken back or even offended when someone refers to Christmas as 'X-mas'. And while they may do this in an effort to minimize some of the religious tone of the holiday, in fact, the word 'X-mas' is an abbreviation of the word Christmas, using the letter X in place of Christ, which is a common abbreviation in ancient and contemporary iconography. For instance, the Greek alphabet uses the letters XC to refer to Christ; Xristos . The X (chi) has a hard Ch sound, thus the abbreviation.

Christmas quote of the day: "God loved us so much more than Himself that, although He is beyond every being, He entered without changing into our being, supra-essentially took on human nature, became man and, wishing to reveal Himself as a man among men, did not refuse to make His own the penalty we pay. And as in His providence He became man, so He deified us by grace, in this way teaching us not only to cleave to one another naturally and to love others spiritually as ourselves, but also, like God, to be more concerned for others than for ourselves, and as proof of our love for each other readily to choose, as virtue enjoins, to die for others. For as Scripture tells us, there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for a friend" cf. John 15: 13. Philokalia, Vol. 2, Fifth Century on Various Texts No. 12

be good.

Splendid. At some point, I suspect we shall attempt a trip to that land mass known as Lee's Summit. Dates are unknown, but sometime over the holidays. Thanks for the tidbit about the 12 days. I will have to squeeze in a week of vacation mid-January and might have some local travel dates open then as well.

Being in the mainstream of the retail world these days, it is easy to get an up close view of how massively most folks miss what we are supposed to celebrating this time of year. Not all, but most. As far as the giving or sacrifice goes, I reckon most of us sense an obligation to do so. That, in and of itself, seems to be somewhat of a contridiction. Having experienced a recent change in financial circumstances, we have been forced to do some re-evaluation ourselves. Perhaps being guided in our giving more from a standpoint of what would be meaningful to the recipient, rather that what is being offered at an amazing low price for only 4 hours on a first come, first served basis.

Mark, as you have probably the best insight into the non-commercial aspect of this celebration, what say you offer some factual tidbits to focus on. Thanks in advance.

Be happy and careful

Regarding RGNC get-together, I'm in. Regarding the attendance of others, well, that remains to be determined. After the Christmas week I can travel for a spell and meet up someplace. Contact via e-mail for establishing particulars.

In the 'did you know' category; did you know that the phrase 'The 12 Days of Christmas' refers to the 12 days following Christmas, when in the olden days the holiday was celebrated for that entire period of time. Also, St. Nick is a historical character who really did sneak around giving gifts to people at night. He would anonymously deposit money in the homes of folks who might otherwise be forced to sell their kids off to make sure they would at least be fed in return for their work. He was the bishop of a town called Myra, which is located in Asia Minor. And thus, the legend grew...

be good