• December can’t end until I re-read Mark Evanier’s Christmas Story:
The scene is Farmers Market — the famed tourist mecca of Los Angeles. It’s located but yards from the facility they call, “CBS Television City in Hollywood”… which, of course, is not in Hollywood but at least is very close. …
For me, it’s a good place to get out of the house and grab something to eat. I arrived, headed for my favorite barbecue stand and, en route, noticed that Mel Tormé was seated at one of the tables.
Mel Tormé. My favorite singer. Just sitting there, sipping a cup of coffee, munching on an English Muffin, reading The New York Times. Mel Tormé.
I had never met Mel Tormé. Alas, I still haven’t and now I never will. He looked like he was engrossed in the paper that day so I didn’t stop and say, “Excuse me, I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed all your records.” I wish I had. …
• NPR and Amy Grant. Worlds collide.
I’m still nowhere near used to the idea that I’m now 50 years old. The idea that Amy Grant is now 58 seems even less comprehensible.
Also, the next time Hallmark makes a Christmas movie about a big city business woman who reluctantly returns to her small town for the holidays and then rekindles her love for the stubbly but handsome carpenter she left behind while also at last understanding the true meaning of Christmas, I would like to see Amy Grant play the quirky but wise aunt of that protagonist. The aunt could turn out to be Mrs. Santa all along, or it could be that she’s tragically dying and leaving her beloved small-town bakery to her niece. Either way would be fine as long as they let her sing something first. Thank you.
• December is also the time of year when it’s good to have Pete Enns ruin Christmas:
• And to help ruin the secular side of the holiday, here are the “Top 5 Myths About Christmas” from History News Network.
• And finally, here’s Richard Beck, draping his security blanket over his head and reminding Charlie Brown just what Christmas is all about. Ahem. Lights please: “A Christmas Carol as Resistance Literature.”
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
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