Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve - Today is Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve is the evening or day before Christmas Day. It occurs on December 24 in Western Christianity and the secular world, and is considered one of the most culturally significant celebrations in Christendom and Western society, where it is widely observed by Christians and by many others, as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day.

Christmas celebrations have long begun on the night of the 24th, due in part to the Christian liturgical day starting at sunset—a practice inherited from Jewish tradition and based on the story of Creation in the Book of Genesis: "And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day."

Tradition holds that Jesus was born at night (Luke 2:6-8).
The idea of Jesus being born at night is reflected in the fact that Christmas Eve is referred to as Heilige Nacht (Holy Night) in German, Nochebuena (the Good Night) in Spanish and similarly in other expressions of Christmas spirituality, such as the song "Silent Night, Holy Night."

Many other varying cultural traditions and experiences are also associated with Christmas Eve around the world—including the gathering of family and friends, the singing of Christmas carols, the illumination and enjoyment of Christmas lights, trees, and other decorations, the wrapping and/or opening of gifts, and general preparation for Christmas Day.

The Reason for the Season, Weapons of Choice, -and- Fly the Friendly Skies

The Reason for the Season - Utah legislator tells retailers to say "Merry Christmas"
Weapons of Choice - Texas gun law battle brewing over "open carry" proposal
Fly the Friendly Skies - drug could cure jet lag

On this day in history: December 3, 1974 - Civil aviation authorities in England issue a warning to pilots to avoid a 40 foot long inflated pig. The aeropork had escaped its tether during a Pink Floyd photo shoot. Radar contact was lost at 18,000 feet.

Born on this day in history: December 3, 1948 - Ozzy Osbourne (1948 - ) Born in Birmingham, England, musician Ozzy Osbourne is known as lead singer of Black Sabbath, which recorded metal anthems like "War Pig"” (1971). He went solo in 1978, cultivating a social misfit image, then struggled with substance abuse. Osbourne regained popularity with reality TV show "The Osbournes," which featured his family.

Scripture of the Day: Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:3

Video of the Day: Budweiser Rocky Horse SuperBowl Commercial - submitted by Jay

The eyes have it! Click to enlarge.

Recommended Sites:
David Louis Harter Photography - a showcase for the photography of David Louis Harter

I had a peculiar dream last night: I dreamed that a woman came to my office and inquired about engaging me to photograph her "...daughter and friends." I asked if this were a birthday party, and she replied, "No. They're practicing for a musical presentation at their school." We agreed upon the fee and a date and time. She gave me a deposit and departed. At the appointed date and time, I met the woman at a local park. She had over a dozen children with her. They appeared to be approximately 12 years of age. The children began performing, and I began photographing them. They danced and sang—performing the musical, "Oklahoma!" Their performances were stunning. I was amazed by their dancing and singing talents. Without benefit of music, they sang perfectly and danced flawlessly. When the shoot was completed, I said to the woman, "I am amazed by the incredible talent of these children." She said, "Well, they're just a bunch of kids playing around." I did not understand her attitude. When I arrived at my office and viewed the images on my computer, the costumes the children had worn were not displayed! Their attire was ordinary daily wear. Gone, also, was the performing grace and skill they had exhibited! Their poses were ungainly and child-like. I awakened.

They're Not Here!, 'Tis the Season, -and- Come Fly with Me

They're Not Here! - alien ad campaign angers New Mexico tourism officials
'Tis the Season - Americans fed up with "Happy Holidays"
Come Fly with Me - regional airlines lower bar for pilots

On this day in history: November 26, 1975 - Manson family member Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme found guilty of attempting to assassinate President Ford.

Born on this day in history: November 26, 1938 - Tina Turner (1938 - ____) singer. She won Grammys for "Proud Mary," 1972 and "What's Love Got to Do With It?," 1984.

Scripture of the Day: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28)

Video of the Day: Laser Cats - submitted by Phillip

I hope that everyone had a festive and safe Thanksgiving. The weather here was beautiful throughout Thanksgiving and the weekend. Mornings were cool, but the sun was bright, the sky was clear, and the days were warm and wonderful.

Laura and I attended a candlelight Thanksgiving service at Harvest Christian Center Wednesday evening. It was an awesome experience.

Following the candlelight Thanksgiving service, we dined upon a 10-topping Freschetta pizza and retired early.

Thursday morning, we made preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. I poached two large bundles of asparagus and placed in the refrigerator to chill. I sliced a loaf of garlic sourdough bread into cubes and toasted in the oven. I sautéed two medium white onions, two heads of peeled and chopped garlic, six diced Jalapeños, a diced red bell pepper, four large sliced white mushrooms, three sliced celery stalks, and seasonings in extra-virgin olive oil. Laura tended to this as I drained two jars of Pacific oysters. Laura added the oysters to the sauté pan and broke them apart with wooden spoons. Laura then added a large package of baby spinach to the sauté pan and continued to tend it. I took the toasted sourdough cubes from the oven and placed them in a large stainless-steel bowl. Laura added the contents of the sauté pan and a can of chicken stock and stirred the dressing. She then placed it in a large Pyrex baking dish, covered with aluminum foil, and placed in the refrigerator. She did a spicy dry rub on a 5-pound turkey breast. I roasted the turkey breast at 350 degrees for one hour, uncovered, in a roasting pan. I placed an aluminum foil tent over the turkey and continued to roast for another two hours at 225 degrees. When the turkey was done, I removed it from the oven, covered with the aluminum foil, and allowed it to rest while I baked the oyster dressing for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. I sliced the turkey breast, removed the asparagus from the refrigerator and placed it on the dining table, along with the sliced turkey breast, oyster dressing, a pot of turkey gravy, and a bowl of cranberry sauce. The meal was delightful. Champagne accompanied the food.

Friday evening, we revisited the Thanksgiving meal—without the asparagus, which had been fully devoured on Thanksgiving.

Saturday morning, I made baked cubed white potatoes, sliced white onion, a head of whole, peeled garlic cloves, and two sliced Jalapeños in the microwave oven in a Pyrex baking dish for eight minutes. I removed this from the microwave, seasoned with sea salt, ground black pepper, and Cajun seasoning, cracked six jumbo eggs and arranged them on top, and baked in the conventional oven for twenty minutes at 400 degrees. Laura grated some medium cheddar cheese and distributed it atop the food when I removed it from the oven. It was a delightful meal.

For dinner Saturday evening, Laura made chicken enchiladas—using the four leftover chicken breasts I had grilled earlier in the week. I made a fresh salsa with diced Roma tomato and diced Jalapeño. It was a wonderful meal. Five enchiladas remain and shall be our dinner on Wednesday, following Bible class at Harvest Christian Center.

Sunday, I grilled a large tri-tip and made a casserole of steamed white potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and baby carrots. We enjoyed this with an extraordinary Woodbridge Zinfandel.

Now, it is Monday, and it is time to toil once again!