Passion I just set myself on fire, and people come from miles around to watch me burn. (John Wesley, 18th-century evangelist) Wesley’s use of hyperbole makes a very clear statement about his passion. He battled against the “establishment” to bring change that resulted...
Loyalty Too often a sense of loyalty depends on admiration, and if we can’t admire, it is difficult to be loyal. (Aimee Buchanan, Olympic figure skater) Sometimes we find ourselves in a quandary. Perhaps we are on a team where loyalty is essential, but some of our...
After Christmas Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day. (Helen Steiner Rice, late American poet) It’s surprising—and often disappointing—how quickly the Christmas spirit disappears after the holiday is over. What happened to the peace on...
Christmas I heard the bells on Christmas Day / Their old familiar carols play / And wild and sweet, the words repeat / Of peace on earth, good-will to men. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 19th-century American poet) In a world that has been continually torn with constant...
Christmas Eve Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends. (Margaret Thatcher, late British prime minister) Christmas has so many wonderful traditions, including music. Hearing the song, I’ll Be Home for...
Anno Domini Christmas is the day that holds all time together. (Alexander Smith, 19th-century Scottish poet) Have you ever wondered why this year is designated 2020 AD? When it was determined to synchronize calendars around the world, the pivotal starting event was...
Christmas and Easter It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. (W. T. Ellis, Civil War veteran) So much of the “Christmas spirit” is manufactured by advertising and showy programs, but, as Ellis suggests, the real Christmas spirit comes from the...
Christmas Joy Christmas is for children. But it’s for grown-ups, too. (Lenora Mattingly Weber, 19th-20th century American author) With a rather disheartening comment, Weber continues, “Even if it’s a headache, a chore, a nightmare it is a period of necessary...
Christmas is Coming For children Christmas is anticipation. For adults Christmas is memory. (Eric Sevareid, late American news journalist) This is Christmas week, and children are eagerly awaiting the parties and, especially, the opening of gifts on Friday. Although...
Arrogance Arrogance blocks honor either by seeking it or by rejecting it. (Dan Rockwell, fitness enthusiast) We are often disappointed by someone who is a successful winner but who is arrogant. Pride is a strong turn off for lots of people. Rockwell also says,...
Ready for Christmas? A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together. (Garrison Keillor, American storyteller) In most of the so-called civilized world, Christmas will be observed in just one week even by...
Principles A principle is an approach you stick with even if you know it might lead to a short-term outcome you don’t prefer. (Seth Godin) Godin continues, “If your guiding principle is to do whatever benefits you right now, you don’t have principles of much value.”...