Welcome to The Arena
By Dan Panetti, Worldview Director

This is my favorite time of the year. I love Christmas music. I love watching the hustle and bustle of people out and about – there’s just something in the air around Christmas that rings of energy and excitement. It’s like the fourth quarter of a football game; even if the rest of the game was great, the fourth quarter is always the best!

I love Christmas parties – gathering with friends in the festive atmosphere surrounded by beautiful decorations and appetizing food. I love Christmas musicals, performances, festivals – all of them! Many of you have been to the Dallas Christmas Festival (which, by the way, is taking this year off in case you didn’t know) – it is such an amazing performance; the stage is incredible, the music is inspiring, the talent is inconceivable and the message is inspiration! Oh, and I absolutely love Christmas Eve at Prestonwood – the candle-lighting ceremony while we sing “Silent Night” – love it!

I also know that some people find this time of year to be the most depressing, and that really makes me sad. Many people are lonely during the holidays and divorce has made the traditional family gathering into a nightmare for some. That makes me sad. For many, the end of the year is the most stressful time in their business trying to close deals and many times having to travel more than normal. Holidays also bring to mind for many those loved ones who are no longer with us – it is a time of grief and healing as well.

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