By Jonathan Camiolo

 

It is that time of year that when you listen to the radio there are countdowns everywhere for the top songs of the year.  They are voted on by all listeners and by what was played most throughout the year.  Fans requests have left us with a list and every year it is interesting to take a read.  As I rode around in my car on New Years Day, I heard the countdown played throughout the day.  Some songs I really liked, others I did not like at all.  There is a song that struck me this year by the artist Daughtry call It’s Not Over.  According to the New York radio station Z100 it was the #10 song of 2007.  Everyone was familiar with it, especially America Idol fans since Chris Daughtry was a former fan favorite.  I think the songs title is fitting for this time of year…

 

Christmas has come and so many of us feel like it’s over.  We gave and received our presents. We have had the family party and dinners.  We have even returned and exchanged gifts.  We have caught up with friends and now just want to relax.  The truth is, its not over!  We have until the feast of the Epiphany on January 6th to celebrate Christmas!  Remember the song we all sing…The 12 Days of Christmas?  Well, they start on Christmas day and go for 12 days.  And if you want, we technically can celebrate until Jesus’ Baptism on the Sunday after the Epiphany.  It drives me nuts that people are taking down their trees and decorations already when there is still so much time left in the Christmas season.  Why are we in such a rush to move on?  Jesus wants to stay with us and celebrate.  Maybe you can remind those in your family and your friends that Christmas is not over and keep playing the Christmas music.  I am listening to it right now in my office.  Merry Christmas from me to you!

 

I pray that 2008 will be a great year of God’s blessings in your life.  May we all make the choices and build the habits that allow us to become who we want to be and who we feel called to be by God.  I know that I am going to work hard with God’s grace to make some changes in my life…hopefully confident that this year is a going to be the best ever.  Think. Pray. Decide. Change.