We’ve looked at parties, drinking and now it’s shopping left on our list of Jesus’ warnings about dulling our sharp edge of anticipation for his presence in all of life. Some of you know I have an affinity for fountain pens and “pen therapy” was an occasional diversion for me from the realities of life.

Parties, drinking and shopping are Jesus’ keys to staying alert while in the “Christmas spirit”. “I’ll have a mint tea, please”, was my simple request at the end of lunch. My companion at lunch puffed up and said “I’ll have real tea.” Our choices of beverage can be controversial.

Parties, drinking and shopping as keys to the “Christmas spirit”. The caution we hear from Jesus addresses the Advent challenge well. Let’s think about parties. We party to celebrate, to forget, to escape, to encourage, to get blotto.