The Truth About Santa Claus

*Please note: This post is in a spirit of good-humor, and is not intended to offend, depress or damage any person or belief system.

Some, by the title of this post, will, no doubt, hesitate to read its contents, believing themselves to be on sacred ground, or to be entering in on a forbidden philosophical topic.

Nonetheless, the hypothesis I am about to suggest is one that may have worldwide impact and create universal distress (or relief, depending on the parties concerned).

For centuries, different families have taken diametrically opposite positions regarding the reality of Santa Claus. Some parents would be horrified to wrest away from their children the belief in that heroic, ubiquitous Hero of the Tundra whose mission it is to provide endless gifts for pajama-robed recipients.

Others defy the existence of the elf-surrounded North Pole King, accusing believers of fraud and deception.

But regardless of which position you happen to hold, the truth has finally been discovered - at least, probably. Some will be elated, others will recoil with chagrin and horror.

And now, for the world premiere of the Truth About Santa Claus:

Because Scripture without question pronounces all men to be sinners, and incapable of any good works apart from the redeeming power of God through Jesus Christ, "good children" are non-existent. Therefore, while no person has ever seen Santa Claus, it is very possible that he exists, whiling away his time making gifts that he will never be able to deliver. In other words, the Biblical record would reduce Santa to a prisoner held captive by human depravity; a lonely being wandering the ice floats of the Arctic; a doomed personality caged in a sea of despair.

The Joy of Music

"Oh, that's nice."

"How would this work?"

"G-B-D."

"Nnnnoooo, that doesn't sound quite right."

"Really? I kinda like it..."

"C-sharp."

"Oohh, I like that run."

"Now, here's what I started with this..."

Can you tell what we're doing? Arranging, of course! For the past two days, Daniel Z. and I have been working on arrangements that will be included on our upcoming CD. The possibilities and permutations when arranging are enormous, but the Lord blessed our time and we successfully completed two songs - "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" and "Bless This House."

"Can you start from here?"

Those of you who are familiar with Finale will know that it can play back what you've written. But did you know that you can mute the sound, then follow along and play the music while the computer "turns pages" for you? Nifty... (Note the excessive amount of sheet music on the piano - an inevitable "side-effect" of producing a CD!)

Almost done...

Recording dates are set for early March in Indianapolis. Practice, practice, practice!

As an added bonus, I played the Brahms violin concerto a few times with Daniel - what a blast. If you haven't heard this piece, you simply must check it out - if, that is, you like intense classical music. :) The Brahms violin concerto is probably my favorite concerto ever written - for any instrument. (I prefer Itzhak Perlman and the Chicago Symphony under the direction of Carlo Maria Giulini. Even though the orchestra is a little behind in places, Perlman's expression is unmatchable.)

Of Sermons and Pictures

I have been blessed to hear many inspiring and challenging New Year's Sermons in my two decades of life; this morning was not an exception. Using Psalm 20:7 as his main text, our pastor, Dr. Tim Williams, delivered a clarion call to be faithful to Jehovah, as we remember His faithfulness to us and His Presence in our lives every day of 2009. This sermon is not yet downloaded to SermonAudio, but in about a week or less, it should be on there. It's worth the listen!

Also, in tonight's evening service, Mr. Huffstutler, one of our elders, gave a very thought-provoking message on humility. This should also be available soon.

Following the service, one of our ladies wrapped up some photo shoots that still needed to be done for the new church directory. Seizing the opportunity like a good photographer, I managed to sneak a few also. :)

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Huffstutler

The Williams Family

Mr. Huffstutler and Joy

Hmmm....is it good enough?

I do not know if I should be congratulated or warned upon entering the world of bloggers, but for several reasons, I have decided to join the crowd.

1. Blogging encourages the important practice of journaling.
2. Journaling stimulates gratitude and good communication skills.
3. Until now I have not done justice to the important practice of journaling.
4. The necessity for pictures, which I hope to make an important part of this blog, may encourage my dormant photography aspirations.
5. I hope to exploit those "times of epiphany" when the "light bulb" (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit) suddenly illuminates the dark recesses of the mind and imparts spiritual insight.

I have not chosen to blog for the following reasons:

1. I am bored. (The opposite of contentedness.)
2. I don't have anything to do. (My plate seems to defy emptiness.)
3. I am technologically skilled. (Well, we won't go there.)

At any rate, I sincerely wish that this blog will be an encouragement to Christian readers, a dash of good-humor to the weary soul and a relief to readers that there are more eccentric people than them out there.