We had a heat wave, 34 degrees, but higher than forecasted, and late in the day. 

I guess it is a mess in the Gorge on I-84, multiple wrecks and the freeway is closed – not sure when it will reopen.

Been out in these and it isn’t fun.  Slipping and sliding on the ice (sometimes falling) as we check on the drivers and passengers; trying to investigate the accident while watching for oncoming traffic with drivers may or may not be driving with care; getting the tow trucks there to tow the cars; freezing every part of your body and face while helping others.

It can be dangerous.  I had one ‘idiot’ pull through our accident scene going much too fast.  One of our cars was free and pulled the young man over.  He remained there until I got there, several minutes later.

As I was issuing a ticket, he told me how it wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t see what was going on with all the red and blue lights flashing – I know sounds made up, but that is actually what he said.

One of our Sergeants, Jim, was investigating one just east of Mosier when a car came sliding by, missing him by inches.  We all have gone through similar times, but he probably had the closest call as I remember.

Some people just are not careful enough.  Accidents will happen where ‘no one’ is really at fault, but usually, in this kind of weather, it comes from improper tires, driving too fast, and/or little experience driving in snow and ice – particularly in that Gorge, AND no common sense.

How important is it to go through?  Important enough to risk yours and others lives?  Something to think about when heading out in this kind of weather!

If you have to, make sure you have a full tank of gas, blankets, some food, water and maybe a book or two to keep you comfortable while waiting for hours for the road to be clear.  (that’s in addition, of course, to a car in good mechanical condition with the proper tires and/or chains on them.)

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Talking about the Magi that visited the family in Bethlehem:

  “Though foreign to this land, Jesus was of keen interest to them. These stories remind us that we can often overlook the miracles taking place in our own neighborhoods. If we aren’t careful, the celebration of Christmas can become so familiar to us that we let it come and go without taking time to truly contemplate the miracles and blessings we celebrate each season. Men from the Far East went out of their way to find Christ and set treasures before him. Would it take strangers to remind us of the blessings in our midst too?”  Mel Lawrenz, Pastor

Mathew 2:1-2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

² Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Christmas is a busy time, presents to get wrap and given, either in person or through the mails; elaborate dinners planned, prepared and eaten; Christmas parties; gathering of friends and relatives; rushing about to and fro and often times just being frazzled.

Many years ago we made the decision to stay home on Christmas.  No traveling.  We had five children and going somewhere would be a stress on everyone.  In addition roads could be horrendous and very dangerous – while it is never a good time to be involved in a wreck, especially an injury or even fatal, having it happen on a holiday can be traumatic for years to come.

I have investigated many accidents during this time and it just wasn’t worth the risk.

We also found that when we had our main dinner on Christmas Eve then we weren’t as stressed out Christmas day – along with all the other activity.  We just had meat and vegetable trays and we ate when we wanted.

In all of this activity, though, even when we insist people say Merry Christmas, not Happy Holidays; or working, especially at retail shops with harried people the person ends up pulling their hair out – it is easy for us to forget why this season is important to us.

We know what it means, but do we really acknowledge what it means?

Some believe that Jesus was born in the Spring not during this time, it really doesn’t matter, the fact that He came to earth as a baby, lived and taught as a man and died for our sins is what is important.

What I have always found interesting is that Herod’s advisors were able to tell him where Jesus was born, based on the scriptures.  It is just one more indication, one more piece of proof that Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ who will deliver HIS people AND everyone else.

Commercialization, the world, has changed the meaning of Christmas from the celebration of the birth of the Messiah to this is a family time and THAT is what is important about the season.

While being with family is always important, it does not begin to describe the significance of a baby born in a manger who was Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God whose sole reason for coming was to teach and sacrifice Himself that others might live.

Men from the Far East went out of their way to find Christ and set treasures before him. Would it take strangers to remind us of the blessings in our midst too?” 

Let us say no to that question.

Later, Art (-: