DITTO… Hello Hump Day readers. You probably have most of your Christmas decorations inside and outside done. Maybe you have gone through your community to see the lights, etc. We do and some are incredibly beautiful, others are funny or softer and then there are the homes that the International Space Station can probably see without a telescope!

One writer that I know lives in Largo, Florida. Pat and her hubby and the entire neighborhood go bonkers with all the holiday lights. But they have a reason for it and it is so darn cool. Over 20+ years they have been collecting money–generously for hospice so friends and families can bring their elderly parents, friends, etc., to enjoy the festivities. Every house for miles is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights from the top of the roof to the ground, around the trees and shrubs as well. Lots of manger scenes, inflated cartoon characters, Santa, reindeer, elves, dinosaurs, candy canes, plastic snowmen-no snow there, superheroes, and carolers and flying angels fill the yards–even some real animals! And, of course, music is in the air! But get this: they also care for their Jewish community so in each home, you will see a Hanukkah with blue lights, menorahs, and six-pointed stars of David. Such true love.

Last year she told me that, after passing a house that was off the charts with lights and decorations on every square foot of the property, the next house-the last on the street, was dark without one decoration except a big arrow pointing to the previous extravagant home. Inside the light-framed arrow blinked: DITTO in huge letters! However, on their porch they had a few lights along with all kinds of goodies to eat and drink. They welcomed people in and they sang Christmas songs. Since they had just bought the home, most of their stuff was not even opened–including the Christmas decorations! But that night didn’t stop them from sharing the love of Jesus and getting to know their neighbors!

Last year was the first time I saw DITTO to the left DITTO to the right. It was from a TV commercial. I laughed out loud and I still laugh every time that commercial comes on. Like the new family in Florida, they threw in their hats with creative genius not only making every passerby laugh out loud with such a funny word, but they also made a very good point. Sometimes we just have to find someone or something to emulate. I’ll find out from my friend about what they put up this year now that they were settled in!

Some of us like the big lights, some of us not so much, but the real thing about it is ‘that it’s the JOY of Christmas’! We get to choose who we want to be like. For Al and I, we enjoy going around the community to see Christmas decorations. We’re not much into the blow-up stuff and gads of lights, but when we see a manger that’s when we say, DITTO! That is what the season is really about and it warms our hearts. Sometimes we stop and sing some of our favorites, like Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, etc. Now that’s Christmas!!

The Apostle Paul wants our hearts filled–not just at Christmas but all the time: “Run as fast as you can from all the ambitions and lusts of youth; and chase after all that is pure. Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit. And live in peace with all those who worship our Lord Jesus with pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2:22 [TPT]

That doesn’t mean we can’t have all the decorations secular or biblical, but it is a reminder that Christmas is truly for Jesus and Jesus alone. We pray, Oh dear Baby Jesus, help us to feel like Mary did the night you were born—awestruck, safe, and holy. It is then we really will find our hearts to be filled at this wonderful Christmas-time, DITTO! AMEN.