We have now entered that season of the year known (according to a friend of mine) as “HallowThanksMasDay”.
Yes, from Halloween to New Year’s Day it is one, big marathon, with parties in between. Some of this great, big, long holiday is religious, but most of it is not. Indeed, even the religous part is usually only there as a disguise so that we can over indulge in just about everything. But having added my “bah-humbug” to the season, let me quickly add that it is also my favorite time of the year.
The reason that it is, is because, for all of its excesses I can make it as religious as I like. Halloween gives me a chance to remember that it’s really All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saints Day when the great saints of the Church and great saints in our lives can be remembered and honored. Thanksgiving can help me to remember what God has given to me, and get my mind off of what I don’t have, so that I can be truly grateful. Christmas, of course, helps me focus on the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace and leads me to rededicating myself to his service. And New Year’s Day can encourage me to put my hand into God’s hand as together we go into the unknown of a new year.
So, you see, “HallowThanksMasDay” season can really be one of the most spiritually enriching times of the year, if we choose to make it such. In fact, we can make every day a spiritually enriching day, if that is what we decide to do.

I hope to see you in church.
- Roy