In which the Meridian goes home with the Armadillo for the holidays

"And the Meridian also went down from Wichita to the city of the Armadillo, which is called Austin, with Scruffy (and minus Mrs. Meridian, who will be with her family in Topeka), because he was of the house and lineage of the Armadillo . . ."

My recollection of Luke 2 is a bit rusty, but I think that's pretty close to how it goes.

We're heading south this morning to spend Christmas in Austin with my mother and brother. We'll retun the day after Christmas.

These are dark times. The times always seem "dark," do they not? But Jesus still comes, every year, no matter how dark the times. It took a long time for me to understand this, that Christmas is not only the celebration of Jesus' birth but also a reminder of His promise to return . . . and that Christmas itself sustains hope in that promise. Babies are, are they not, perhaps the most potent symbol of Promise there is.

Christmas Day also happens to be significant this year because it will have to compete for attention with the Kansas Guild of Bloggers' weekly Carnival, thus rendering Christmas a little less sparkly. This Monday's is scheduled to be hosted by Paul of The Force that Through . . . , but as of this writing he's not posted his plans for Monday. Even so, that should not stop anyone from submitting a post.

Be well, dear reader(s). Best wishes for a safe, restful, and blessed holiday season.