I just dropped off a Christmas poinsettia at a friend's house - she's getting home from the hospital today. Her husband died of cancer last week while she was laid up with back surgery. For her, I guess the words "Merry Christmas" will sound kind of hollow.

Of course, she's not alone this Christmas. In many families each Christmas, there's someone missing around the table. In just the past few weeks, my wife and I have had ten friends die. There are clouds over Christmas this year. For us. And especially for the families of those who are gone.

Our pregnancies were big news to us. But, thankfully, the press couldn't have cared less. Of course, we're not Prince William and Duchess Kate.

Kate's first-trimester problems have been front page news. Because the baby she's carrying is an heir to the throne. This is a royal baby.

But, then, so is every baby. Because only the King - of all kings - can start a human life. Long before ultrasounds, God gave us a glimpse inside a mother's womb - in this prayer. "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous."

Like most Americans, I've about O.D.'ed on news about elections, economic cliffs and eruptions in the Middle East. It's all important, but it's not exactly in the "joy to the world" category.

So I'm loving the feel-good story out of New York City that's gone viral across Facebook. About the friendly policeman and the freezing homeless man. It's got "Christmas story" written all over it.

In case you missed it, a young police officer, on patrol in Times Square, came upon a homeless man, sitting barefoot on the sidewalk. It was a "two pairs of socks" night for the officer - and even then his feet were freezing. He couldn't imagine a man sitting there barefoot all night.

Making Your Christmas About What Jesus' Christmas Was About:
An Intentional Christmas

Christmas 2012 comes against the backdrop of a world much like that of the First Christmas - lots of upheaval, violence, and fear. A near war in the Middle East - with that area getting more and more dangerous; sparks of a second Egypt revolution; political uncertainty and paralysis; the fast approach of a game-changing "fiscal cliff."

March 27th, 2012

So I went into the gas station to prepay for a fillup and suddenly found myself in Crazyville. A long line in this small town store, all talking about what they'd do if they won. Yes, I had inadvertently walked into the Lottery Fever ward. Just like me, everyone had cash in their hand. Except I was the only one who was buying gas. Did I mention crazy?

All over the news, folks were talking about their dreams for how they'd spend this record-breaking, $600 million-plus jackpot. Even though the odds of winning were 1 in 176 million! I didn't buy a ticket. But as I saw my fillup total, I got to thinking that I might have to win the lottery just to buy my gas.

I slept in on Black Friday, thank you. And felt smugly smart as I watched the buffalo stampedes on the news. Of course, so did those people leaving with a "you can't believe the price" flatscreen TV.

As I ventured into an eerily quiet "big box" store later in the day, I asked the clerk if she was getting combat pay. She just gave me a look that said, "You have no idea, buster." Watching the evening news reports of charging consumer armies, I mumbled to myself, "Peace on earth, huh?"

It's been a week for bombshells. One of America's most revered military leaders - and, most recently, head of the super-secret CIA - has resigned because of an admitted affair. For all the secrets of his agency, his personal secret has exploded into headlines around the world.

I just groaned when I heard about these sordid revelations. I hate to see another hero fall - and another family ravaged. And as I write, questions are arising around another of this country's top military leaders. Sadly, it doesn't take me long to remember other "generals" whose secrets have blown their world apart - including high-powered politicians and even preachers.

But with the current scandal spotlight turned on military leaders, my mind raced to another general with a dark secret. And even though his exploits were in a different time, his story is the story of so many guys.

I've done it again. Managed to head right into a storm.

Like the family vacation slammed by a hurricane. The record rainstorm that swamped the airport when we took our daughter to college. And the Halloween "Snowageddon" that met me in Connecticut last year. And now Sandy.

Actually, being a part of this "week like no other" in New York and New Jersey has had God-marks all over it. It shut down some ministry opportunities, but clearly opened up others. And, honestly, to see in the storm some lessons that I'll carry with me for years to come.

So an angry girl named Sandy comes storming up the Eastern Seaboard - the largest Atlantic hurricane ever. Sort of like last year's Halloween snowstorm that dumped a crazy two feet of snow on Connecticut. Where I just happened to be. And Sandy's doing this year what "Snowy" did last year - make a whole lot of folks change their plans.

Planes aren't flying and trips aren't happening. Gazillions of "important" meetings and appointments have been cancelled. The Stock Exchange and the U. N. have bowed to Miss Sandy. She's even pushed Barack and Mitt off center stage - and cancelled potentially decisive campaign events in the final week of a nail-bitingly close election.

Yup, storms change your plans. Suddenly, you have no control over events. But then, do we ever have control over events? When you consider that God decides if we take our next breath, our fiercely defended "control" of our lives is really just the illusion of control.

Ah, yes...our quadrennial binge on politics. Dueling ads, wall-to-wall, made in Mudville. Debates - followed by debates about the debates. Pundits punditizing everywhere, day and night. So many polls that we even have a poll of the polls.

And lots of angry, opinionated people. On Facebook...on the Internet...on the streets...on talk radio...in the office...even in families. Lots of people, very emotional about this election - and speaking out.

I'm not one of them. Oh, I care. I've always followed American politics with interest. But I won't be sounding off about what I think.