Category Archives: Christmas

Angels in the Snow

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Bright and early we’re outside all bundled up with the sun shining and mounds of snow still on the ground.  The cold air doesn’t even register against our bodies as it will many years later.  (“Wind chill” wasn’t invented yet.) … Continue reading →

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Air-Miles for Jesus

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Frank Sinatra knows what he’s singing about.  It’s not about the destination but it’s all about the flight.  “Come, fly with me.”  Flying “Coach” is the one who takes little risks, says the right things and ruffles very little feathers … Continue reading →

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Christmas Wish List

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

The waiting is over.  The waiting is truly over. The clock has stopped The bus has arrived The pot is boiling The movie’s started The bill’s been paid The alarm clock is buzzing The doctor will see you now The … Continue reading →

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Scrooge: P,P&F

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Pretend to be Scrooge for a few paragraphs.  Put on his heavy, black coat, sleeping cap and one faintly lit candle and seat in a dank room with a smoldering fire facing you. All right, don’t pretend; it’s not very … Continue reading →

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An Anticipating Culture

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

I don’t know about the rest of the world but here in the U.S. we just can’t wait.  The sad part is probably because of exhaustion from all planning once the event has arrived it’s completely forgotten. We already know … Continue reading →

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Straw for Jesus

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Joseph and Mary tried their best to prepare for their Bethlehem trip and be counted along with all the other Jews in the area.  (Why should they be left out of retirement benefits!)  Joseph smoked as many Old Gold cigarettes … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Message

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

“It’s a miracle,” we’d say to our family and friends.  “It’s a miracle, the birth of God’s Son into our broken and troubled world.”  It’s a miracle. Unfortunately, we’d all be wrong.  There is no miracle today.  I’m not being … Continue reading →

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The “Holy” Dysfunctional “Family”

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

A terrible blow to families and psychology happened in the 1980’s when the word “dysfunctional” became vogue.  Lots of  books sold and lots of talk, especially in our family on why we were this word. Television again doesn’t imitate art … Continue reading →

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Christmas Tradition: “The Iron Curtain”

Posted on November 29, 2014 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

Raised in the 50’s when the Iron Curtain was an imaginary and exaggerated fear, our home had its own iron curtain on Christmas Eve.  Although only made of cotton, it still kept from us from one place to another.  The … Continue reading →

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The Gift

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.

There it was.  Wrapped in bright, shiny, red paper with a fancy bow on top.  It’s been under the Christmas tree forever or only a few hours.  The waiting kills me, always has.  All these barriers between now and then.  … Continue reading →

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