Pastor Mike Nodland

On Christmas Eve 1970, my mother gave my sister and me a fifty-dollar bill to pick out two centerpieces for our tables at home for decorations. So off we went shopping.

Near closing time, the store marked everything 50% off! So, we decided to shock my mother by doubling her purchasing power. Boy, will she be surprised…and totally impressed!

We had to rethink our purchase and really buy big! We found two enormous centerpieces and proudly carried them home.

My mom was really impressed, and we were so proud! Then she asked for her change back from the 50 bucks. We had nothing left! It was then that we discovered that we were not to spend the whole $50! My mom went “ballistic” on us! Wouldn’t you?

And here’s why! Fifty bucks in 1970 is equivalent to the buying power of $355.48 in 2022! At 50% off prices, we spent the equivalent of over $700 on those lousy centerpieces, which left no peace in our family!

Here’s the sad truth, though. Much attention at Christmastime is on things that don’t create peace. Here’s wishing the centerpiece of your Christmas is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah! Merry Christmas to you!

Mike Nodland, pastor

Christian Fellowship Church, Vining, IA