James Watkins on Christmas, capital punishment, plus .mp3 music and more . . .

Saturday (12.17)
how Christmas saved
a grinch

The thing I remember most about Christmas as a kid was the spirit of joy and love. It usually started sometime around the Macy's Parade and lasted until the final needle fell from the tree. Then, in my junior year of high school, I didn't notice any

change. Gasp! Had I become a Scrooge at the tender age of 16?!
- Click here for the true story

Friday (12.16)
should I get a 'real' job?

I had an interview Wednesday for a “real” 8-5 job at an academic publisher here in town. It’s a tempting offer, but I’m not sure I’m an “8-5” or “academic” kind of guy. I did some number crunching to try to decide whether to take the secure job (with benefits) or keep living by faith. (Hmmm? Do “number crunching” and “living by faith” belong in the same sentence?!) Anyway, thanks for your prayers for a decision that will best utilize my so-called writing/speaking talents for God and His Kingdom. (Maybe I should read some of my own advice!)
- 'God's will' is not lost—for those trying to 'find' it
- Keeping your dreams alive
- XarisCom: my unreal job

Friday (12.16 8:00 am EST)
I said no to the "real job." It would have only increased our income by about 13 percent (albeit, guaranteed income), but more important would have meant canceling most of my speaking engagements, not having the time to pursue what I feel I should be writing and giving up babysitting granddaughter Hannah on Tuesdays. I'll keep trusting God to provide work that is more compatible with my mission statement.
- My mission statement

Thursday (12.15)
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah

Tom Brown makes a fascinating argument that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication or Feast of Lights found in John 10:22-23). This was a man-made celebration not found in Scripture. So, for him, that provides some insight into the age-old question, should Christians celebrate Christmas? If Jesus celebrated a man-made holiday, why can't His followers?
- More from Tom Brown
- What is Hanukkah?

Wednesday (12.14)
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' turns 40 years old

Network executives hated it. The executive producer thought it was "too religious." But the Emmy-award-winning classic was recently named by TV Guide as the "Best Christmas Special." And most amazing, it includes Linus reciting the biblical account of Christ's birth straight out of Luke 2 in the King James Version! "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." Amen and happy anniversary!

- Top ten best and worst Christmas specials
- Luke Chapter 2 in King James Version
- Christmas story from Gospels in chronological order

Tuesday (12.13)
wild and whacky wikipedia.org

Wikipedia.org, "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit," recently admitted that its biography of John Siegenthaler was pure fiction. In it, the former Robert Kennedy aide and newspaper editor was implicated in the assassination of the popular senator as well as his presidential brother. Brian Chase, who edited Siegenthaler's bio, argued that he thought the online encyclopedia was "a joke site." See, this is why I posted the following rants:
- Are 'bloggers' journalists?
- Top ten signs a reporter is lying
- Verify! Verify! Verify!
- Siegenthaler's response in The Tennesseean (off site)
- December 15 update from TimesOnline.com (off site)

Monday (12.12)
hang a Santa Claus upon the highest bough?!

Ron Stroia of Miami Beach, Florida, has a bound and blind-folded Santa hanging in his yard! Stroia refused to talk with reporters, but said by phone that it's his right to display the lynched Santa whether neighbors like it or not. Somebody needs a

visit by three spirits—or preferably a court-appointed psychiatrist!
- Story and pics from WKMG Channel 6
- The real St. Nick was never hanged, but he did spend time in prison
- Somewhat related: Calvin and Hobbes' "Snowman House of Horror" (off site)

rehabilitation or retribution?

The case of Crips gang-founder and convicted murderer Stanley Tookie Williams—scheduled for execution early Tuesday morning—goes beyond the immediate debate over the death penalty. It goes to the very philosophy of the criminal justice system. Are men and women incarcerated for rehabilitation or retribution? Williams has become a strong anti-gang advocate with children's books attempting to steer young people away from gang involvement (and continues to claim his innocence). Isn't justice better served by keeping Williams behind bars, yet sparing his life to further his campaign against gang violence?
- Serious questions concerning capital punishment
- Why discipline is more effective than punishment

Monday (12.12, 3:45 pm EST)
Governor denies clemency, execution on for early tomorrow morning

Last week (12.04-)
Christmas in Narnia

Lots of Narnia-related articles and links, plus several Christmas goodies
- Click here

Last month
top ten sites for November

- 1 Home page
- 2 Is it a life or a choice?
- 3 Short "Jim Shorts"
- 4 "Jim Shorts" on sex
- 5 "Adult site" for adults
- 6 "Jim Shorts" on holidays
- 7 Index: articles, books, comedy/drama, humor . . .
- 8 Quips and quotes of encouragement
- 9 "Jim Shorts" on health issues
- 10 "Jim Shorts" on media

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