. . . I heard singing on TV, but the words were drastically different than I remembered. How could this be? There are some things, like favorite carols, which should not be stripped of their traditional message.

Jingles seem to be the mode of advertising specials for electron- ics and where to shop this year. Maybe a choir of likedressed people singing about IPods and BlackBerries will entice shoppers to hurry into their store. Or, a quiet musical performance of lights near the cash registers certainly gets one's attention; I see only multiple people ready and eager to swipe my credit card.

Clever slogans are clamoring for our attention also. And, it works. The sayings pop into our heads constantly: "Christmas costs less at…," "We can put more happy in your holiday," or "Don't give a gift; fulfill a dream." They only encourage us to spend. Those little Hershey's kisses ringing out: "We wish you a Merry Christmas," puts chocolate on the brain without saying a word.

Everything from food to bath products is presented with a "Christmas" spin making it the season's necessity. Bake the correct rolls, and your far-away child magically appears for dinner. A drab outdoor evergreen tree sneaks a bite of green bean casserole and instantly transforms into a tree with beautiful lights and decorations.

Buying and sharing

gifts are part of Christmas.

It is a way of saying, "you are important to me."

God gave us a very special gift, His Son. It is a free gift, lasts forever and fills our Christmas and everyday lives with hope and we don't even have to like green bean casserole.

May your day be filled with the joy and anticipation of the Christmas season.