Who are we?

Out in the night. I seek signs of joy, of celebration. The street is nearly dark. From the yard, I see only 1 tree -- No lights anywhere. Only our yard. That's it.

Is everyone out of town? No, not that I can see. There are house lights, but nothing decorative. NOTHING!

Is this what Christmas has become? Tradition by route, dying out as the generations pass on? No Menorahs out for Hanukkah, no trees or lights for Christmas, no nativity scenes, nothing?

If this IS the case, the devil has already won.

Maybe it's just our location. We are somewhat rural, some of the houses are vacant, abandoned but not yet in decay. But the yards are unkempt, tree branches are littering the lawns, weeds exceed the height of the fences.

Maybe we're already dead?

If there is no celebration of life, there can be no joy. If there is no joy, there is no life.

Are we George Bailey or Mr. Potter? Are we the nephew Fred, or Ebeneezer Scrooge? Are we the citizens of Whoville, or the Grinch?

I pray we are not the wrong character at the wrong time.