“Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men…”

Just a small reminder of what this season is all about. No matter when the actual birth took place, Christians can choose to sanctify this time of year by celebrating the greatest birth of all — that of Jesus Christ. And when you tell your children the story of the baby, be sure to finish with the truth of the Cross and the resurrection — and that Jesus is coming back. What a day that will be! — Sharon

Holy Bible — Luke 2:1-20

AND IT CAME TO PASS in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Time, Space, and the Illuminati; A Look into the Secrets of SciFi’s Lost Room

“Masonry has and always had a religious creed. It teaches what it deems to be the truth in respect to the nature and attributes of God.” — Albert Pike in the “Legenda for the Nineteenth Degree”.

“Pike confessed that the original meanings of the very symbols he himself was attempting to interpret were irretrievably—lost.” — Manly P Hall – “Rosicrucian and Masonic Origins”.

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IT’S A FAIR GUESS that most of you reading this article have – at some time or another – stayed overnight in a one-star motel. These linear marvels of construction dot the American landscape like a vast constellation of segmented hostels, most single-storied, many fading into obscurity as interstate systems replace the narrow highways and byways of the golden age of the automobile.I’ve stayed in my share of such motor hotels. Back in the day when I sang for my supper, such budget-conscious choices offered my weary bones a place to sleep and a hot bath. This considered, isn’t it clever and even nostalgic for the SciFi Channel to offer viewers a twisted peek into motel life — a cleverly written peek that entertains and, for those with ‘eyes to see’ even educates.

A Tear In My Mind’s Eye

It’s hard to remember now that Nicole used to be shorter than I am! This was taken at the “Bailey Reunion” near Terre Haute, Indiana in 1998. Derek’s grandmother was a Bailey — in fact, Nicole was very nearly named Bailey.

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FAMILY REUNIONS are a treasure trove to any writer. I’ve lost count of the number I’ve attended, but many of them have special sections in my generally disorganized mind. Picture a massive walnut table (I love walnuts) scattered with an assortment of manila file folders, each one marked with a year of my life. Inside, you’ll find a list of favorite songs, addresses (I moved frequently — often every year — doesn’t everyone?), and hosts of names, some with corresponding photos, others whose photos have either disappeared or been misfiled. The table is dusty, but the folders are well-thumbed. Among these treasured memories are those pages marked ‘Family’.