Gifts. Apart from the fact that the Wise Men were purported to have brought gifts to Bethlehem.... the most important fact is that they came. In person. They were wealthy and could just as easily have “sent” gifts as was common at the time.... and for that matter is common now. But they chose “relationship”. At this time of year I would encourage you to choose Relationship over Religion. We were created for Relationship... for personal human interaction. Many of you know that my faith plays an extremely important part of my life. My faith is based on relationships. A personal relationship with God that I try to live out by allowing it to manifest itself in my relationships with others. I am not an extremely talented person but God has given me an ability to communicate and relate. I feel the obligation to do that in a way that is uplifting and “lighthousey”. At this time of year perhap more than others ... we are led to think about others. Sad in a way that it sometimes fades as we move into the months of January and February, isnt it? At Monat... people on the outside... look in at us and say theyre like a cult... like a religion! Well if hanging out in community with a group of diverse people with the primary aim of lifting others up, being others focused and making the world a better place is cult like... so be it. But let us not be a religion. Let us be a community ... Relationship focused not Religion focused. People focused. Get to know people ... to walk where they walk... see what they see... seeking to understand instead of seeking to be understood. I am reminded just this week of two of our leaders... Toni and Jay who in supporting people in need in Kentucky ... didnt simply send gifts.They went.... personally.... and physically ... in relationship. I pray for all of you this holiday season... whether you are celebrating Christmas and the birth of Jesus as I and my family are... or you are simply celebrating that very special feeling we get at this time of year... of peace and hope and a sense of good will to others (that others focused feeling)... I pray you have the opportunity to reach out and connect physically and emotionally with people ... that you know the JOY of being a Light.