Dateline Dayton – A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children.

After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, after hours of hearing both her children asking for all they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many feel during the holiday season,  overwhelming pressure to:

• Go to every party, every housewarming,

• Taste all the holiday food and treats,

• Get the perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list,

• Make sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and, equally,

• Under pressure, be certain we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened. A crowd already was in the car.

She pushed her way into the car, dragging along her two kids and all of the family’s bags.

When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore.

“Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot,” she cried out.

From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, “Don't worry, we already crucified Him.”

For the rest of the trip down in the elevator, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

This year, don't forget to keep “the One who started this whole Christmas thing” in your every thought, deed and words.

If we all did it, just think of how different this entire world would be.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net