An October Christmas Commercial

Earlier today I heard some music coming from the television in the other room. I thought, “Wait just a minute. No way! I can’t be hearing that correctly.”

So, I walked into the room and, sure enough, I saw my first Christmas commercial on TV for this year. I said, “Come on. You must be kidding me!”

I pulled out my phone and looked at the date. “Let’s see,” I thought, “it’s… October 23^rd, it’s still a week before Halloween. That may be the earliest I’ve seen an ad for Christmas on TV.”

The ad was for K-Mart and I just caught the end of it but I think it had to with their layaway program. So I will quickly grant that the whole concept of layaway involves putting some things aside well before Christmas in order to pay them off by the time Christmas arrives. However, it was still a surprise to hear the Christmas music playing in the background and taking in the references to the Christmas season.

I laughed and thought, “Well, that’s how it is nowadays. They start advertising Christmas and making references to Christmas earlier and earlier every year.” Then I went back in the other room and continued putting up the Christmas tree.

Reach Out To Others This Season

This piece was run in today's Southtown Star Newspaper...

Reach out to others this season

During the holiday season, there is typically a lot of talk about spending time with family and other loved ones. Many people get together to share meals, exchange gifts, attend church services and other holiday events.

All of this is, of course, very nice, but for some people, holidays can actually be a painful time, particularly from a relationship standpoint. The emphasis on relationships at this time of year is an unwelcome reminder for some, and their loneliness is magnified.

I don’t write this letter to put a damper on your festivities. I truly hope you’re experiencing joy and happiness, and I’m all in favor of festivities! However, it seems reasonable to encourage all of us to take a moment to think about folks we may know who could be included in our holiday celebrations.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we reached out a hand of friendship, fellowship and love to a neighbor or co-worker or other friend and helped them feel appreciated and to experience a little extra joy? Thinking of others is surely in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.

Dan Marler

First Church of God

Oak Lawn

Link to the newspaper page.