This is a departure from my regular “evangelistic adventure” of the week, but I thought with the new year I could share what I’ve learned in 2004 since I made this commitment to evangelize (nearly) everyday. It all started with a challenge from my pastor, Zac, in a New Year’s message entitled “Spiritual Game Plan
I had a short interview with the Daily Breeze last week and the reporter asked me what I thought of the current secular trend of combining the winter holidays and calling them Chrismakkuh or Chrismahanukkwanzakah. Here’s what was printed in the “Faith and Values” section on December 25, 2004: “Christmawhat?” asked the Rev. Steve Sanchez
Children laugh with anticipation. Stockings are hung with joy. Chestnuts roast on an open fire. Sleigh bells jingle. A list is checked twice. “Ho, ho, ho!” Happy Hanukah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Winter Solstice! Happy Holidays! BAH, HUMBUG!!! It’s Christmas time and I’m going to do something about it. I’ve got a radical idea. Subversive even.
“So what do you think?” I asked the the cashier at Petsmart as I purchased a bottle of dog ear cleaner. “Huh?” Rachel answered. “Do you think dogs go to Heaven?” “Oh Heaven. Definitely!” “Then what about people?” I continued. “Oh I don’t know. That’s up to them.” “What about you?” “I don’t know, really…”
As I entered the doors of Target I asked two very serious security guards where I might find an item. Of course, I also had to ask my favorite question, “If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven or Hell?” “Hell,” said Sid. “Heaven,” said Daniel. “Why are you going to Hell,