where Mike and I meet – for Christmas morning.

25Dec
by Jon Swanson

I’m not sure when you will read this.

You might not get it until Monday, being one of those people who disconnect from technology for the weekend. And especially for Christmas weekend.

And that’s fine.

But some of you are reading this on Christmas.

“You are addicts,” some of the people we will be with this weekend will say. “Spend the time with your family.”

But part of my family is not where I am geographically. Facebook may be how I talk with them today. None of my friends are where I will see them today. But they – you – may be reading this. And this message to you, and your email to me, and my text to you, and your tweet to me, count as a conversation. Just as much as the conversations you used to have with friends on Christmas morning on the phone, talking about what you got. Or the words of the shepherds as they left the manger and told everyone what had happened.

Mike and I go to the same church. Mike and I are in the same Sunday school class. Mike and I never see each other during the week. But almost every week, he emails me with a comment or a question or to let me know his schedule. Email, and 300words, is where we meet. We know each other in real life. And half of the time, this is where we meet.

So if you are here online today because you are addicted,  go back to real life. But if you are here because you want to find out how your friends are doing, or to check up on your family, welcome. Tell your friends who don’t understand that your social media chaplain says “hi.”

And I’ll see you tomorrow, Mike.

Merry Christmas.

15 thoughts on “where Mike and I meet – for Christmas morning.”

  1. Jill's avatar

    Jill

    Yeah, I was thinking the same sort of thing tonight. Sort of envious of my friends who don’t have time to be on facebook or twitter because their real lives are being spent with their real people making cookies and wrapping presents and cuddling in front of a movie or fireplace. I am home, Christmas is essentially over (for what it was, this year) with husband at work grilling hot dogs for Christmas lunch with his 3rd shift friends, on child is in bed and another on a Stickam chat with a music friend. And I’m “here” with you. Not addicted, but connected to my very real social media world.

    Merry Christmas BB. see you in person later this week.

    Like

  2. Laurie's avatar

    Laurie

    Jon, thanks for the post. I am thankful for the technology that lets me keep up with friends who no longer live near me, and whose babies I would never get to see grow up were it not for Facebook. And for relatives and loved ones who can’t travel any more but who are still able to check email and keep up with the goings on. (Ok, for that matter, I’ve reached the age where I’d rather stay home for Christmas than be out on the road!) So, a virtual Merry Christmas to all!

    Like

  3. Caryn's avatar

    Caryn

    I love that these “Merry Christmas”es count! Merry Christmas to you and Nancy! We still hang the stockings she made, so I think of you two especially at Christmas time. I got them at a Bible study gift exchange, and had to ask for another one when Joe was born. Wasn’t sure she’d have any more, but she did, and we’ve used them all these years. 🙂

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    1. Jon Swanson's avatar

      Jon Swanson

      that is so cool Caryn. And will make her feel better this morning as she fights some cold/achy/miserable-on-Christmas-morning thing. And thanks for stopping by.

      Cinnamon roll?

      Like

  4. Chuck's avatar

    Chuck

    Merry Christmas!!! from one who utilizes technology intentionally and relationally; and is trying not to be considered an addict. (sent from my iPhone, while standing in front of my laptop, while scanning/printing pictures for kids’ Christmas presents to their parents.)

    Like

  6. Joseph Ruiz's avatar

    Joseph Ruiz

    Merry Christmas Jon. I wanted to thank you for the Minding their own business post. I used it for our communion service last evening. I enjoy the Christmas Eve communion service because it serves as a Pause button to turn my attention from the “X” shopping days until Christmas back to Christ. I would like to think I am here as a Journey partner not an addict – but then unless one is in _____ Anonymous who would admit to being an addict.

    I like to think this channel is just part of my new normal. I am quite comfortable with that because although we have only met once IRL I feel we are able to share here all the time so this just feels natural to me. I am really glad you posted this today.

    Oh, and the fact that i checked in at 5″00 should reflect some amount of self-control. 😉 And one more thing – Frank when you check this Merry Christmas to you and your family too.
    Grace and Peace. Be well and warm.
    Joe

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  7. Cheryl Smith's avatar

    Cheryl Smith

    You’re so right. I really don’t think it’s an addiction (but maybe that’s what all addicts say). It’s as you describe, wanting to hear from friends – some I’ve met in real life and others I haven’t, yet who remain just as “real.”

    Thanks for “getting” this thing called social media, and helping me so often translate the thoughts that are percolating in my mind.

    Merry Christmas!

    Like

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