Advent Calendar from the Twilight Zone

Every year our church hands out small Advent Calendars to the children and their families. The calendars are inexpensive and now I know why. Last night my daughter #1, home for Christmas from graduate school in Los Angeles, pointed out a few unusual scripture verses slipped into this year's Christmas story .

December 7--"Lord, teach us to count our days." (Psalm 90:12) I suppose that this could be a "Pearl Harbor Day" reminder that our lives can change and even come to an end in an instant. But what does this have to do with Christmas?

December 11--"John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist." (Matthew 3:4) Note: John was born only a few months before Jesus. Is this description of what he wore 30 years later supposed to remind us that he was "Elijah" who had come to prepare the way for the Messiah? If so, what a strange and cryptic way to say it...especially on a child's Advent Calendar!

December 17--My favorite: "A multitude of camels shall cover you." (Isaiah 60:6) Note: Having seen camels and ridden on camels the last thing in the world I would want to ever happen would be to have a "multitude" of them "covering" me! I suppose that this could be another cryptic reference, perhaps to the Messiah being surrounded by animals as a result of being born in a stable...but, come on...give me a break here!

December 18--"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God." (Luke 2:28) Note: This ocurred after Jesus was born...hardly an Advent verse!

The back of the calendar says that the scripture verses were "compiled by Peter Mead." All I can say is, "Peter...you are one wild and crazy guy!"