Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 60:1-6
Here are your Five for Friday.
EPIPHANY
Today is Epiphany. The official end of the Christmas season. You’d know that if you’d been following my 12 Days Posts on Facebook and Instagram. Or perhaps you knew it already.
You may now take down the tree.
With rare exception, we have left our decorations up through Epiphany, and often beyond, which is why this article was a welcome thought.
Leave Your Christmas Decorations Up Until February, Says English Heritage
Maybe that’s a bit much, even though I do have English heritage. I’ll just never understand tossing the whole season out on December 26th. As a wearer of the red suit, I rarely have time to just sit and enjoy the season prior to the actual day. Sometimes all I want for Christmas is to able to sit (and often nap) by the light of the tree.
I’m intrigued by the idea of leaving things up until February.
But, at that point, it’s only nine months until I start putting things up again…so…
HOUSE OF CARDS OR CLOWN SHOW?
California Representative Kevin McCarthy has claimed the position as his birthright. But a handful of conservatives are saying no. And are saying it loudly.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. I don’t think McCarthy is the best choice. But the opposition doesn’t appear to be offering a clear alternative.
McCarthy had two months after the elections to secure his support. As I’m writing this, he’s lost the vote eight times. That does not scream leadership skills.
The bottom line for me? The longer the Congress is unable to enact legislation or spend any money, the safer we all are.
REST IN PEACE BENEDICT XVI
Speaking of white smoke, while there will be no need to elect a new Pope, the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI passed away this week. His funeral in Rome was attended by thousands.
But not by the President of the United States at the Pope’s request. Read into that what you will.
Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest as 50,000 pay respects in St Peter’s Square
I CAN QUIT AFTER ONE MORE
Leftist Who Keeps Taking COVID Tests Says He Can Quit Anytime
The Babylon Bee
“I just don’t understand it,” admitted Richard’s father, George Chag. “I’m a proud Democrat. I sat him down to explain ‘the Covid and the bees,’ but I just wanted him to wear a mask when he drives – not go insane!”
BORN ON THIS DAY
American bluegrass banjo player, Earl Scruggs was born on this day in 1924 in Flint Hill, North Carolina (died 2012).
Also born on this day.
American poet, Carl Sandburg, 1878-1967
Samuel Rayburn, Texas Congressman and Speaker of the House, 1882-1961
American comedian, Danny Thomas, 1912-1991
English comedian and actor, Rowan Atkinson (born 1955)
English actor, Eddie Redmayne (born 1982)
WHAT I’M READING
As I mentioned earlier this week, this is what I’m currently reading.
I’m working my way through the New Testament and Psalms via a plan on the YouVersion Bible app. This year I’m reading in the New International Version (NIV). I’m accompanying that with A Year of Days with the Book of Common Prayer by Bishop Edmond Lee Browning.
Like I do every few years, I’m reading through Stephen King’s On Writing.
And I’ve just started Atomic Habits by James Clear.
WHAT YOU COULD BE READING
You, or the favorite young reader in your life could be reading one of my three books published last year. They’re all available on Amazon.
Not only that, but I’ll be signing books this year at the Kirk Children’s Book Festival at Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church. Stop by for a signed copy or two on February 4.