A few days ago I was standing in line at McCann's, waiting to mail my Christmas cards. It was a long line. McCann's is a combination Gift and Card Shop with a Pharmacy and a Post Office in the rear of the building. It is perfect for its King City clientele.

Looking at the folks in front of me and behind me I thought how many lines can I stand in and be the youngest. Most of the forty folks or so were talking and visiting with one another. An employee from the front of the store came back with a plate of chocolate. She went through the line and offered everyone a piece of dark chocolate.

How different these people were from the folks I see at Winco. People don't smile much at Winco, even though Winco prices are great and their processes efficient. Winco is busy, but I have never stood in a line at Winco with forty people. However, McCann's is a small friendly store. The Post Office in the back of the store only has room for two people behind the counter. They too are friendly, especially Nancy.

The manager on duty came back with some chairs for those who couldn't stand up too long. Some people who did not sit down gave him a smile for his kindness. I like standing in line at McCann's.

As I neared the front of the line I noticed a wall display of Christmas boxes of various shapes, sizes and prices. There were also gift wrap displays. I mentioned half to myself and half to anyone who might be listening that I did not see any wise men, angels, or manger scenes. A tiny lady standing behind me said, "When my generation passes we are taking Jesus with us."

I stared into her sweet, wrinkled face, struck by what she said. She smiled back and pointed at her heart with her thumb.

Of course I know that Jesus will not be exiting with the generation before mine, but at the same time, as I thought of my children and grandchild her comment hurt. If you take a little time to research your history, easy to do on the web, you'll know that Christmas is not about Christmas Cards, angels, manger scenes or wise men. It is about the heart of God. It is about God coming to be a man so that man might be like God, when we open our hearts to receive the Spirit of Christ.

Whatever we may do to our traditions, whether or not we are eventually forbidden to say Merry Christmas, the Spirit of God will not be extinguished. It will always be here moving on people's hearts.

This morning I watched an interview about the real people in the hit movie The Blind Side. It was, no, it is encouraging to see the Spirit of God moving in the hearts of people, today just as it always has and just as it always will. I hope you will watch the short interview.

May all of our hearts be open to the Spirit of Christ so we can see one another as God does.