In the winter, I practice juggling at the Bridgton Community Center three times a week.  In exchange, instead of paying rent, I do shows periodically throughout the year.  Today rent was due, and I paid up joyfully.

Since Christmas was two days ago, I went with a holiday theme.  I opened with three ball juggling to Michael W. Smith's medley  "Jingle Bells / Sleigh Ride" probably for the last time this year.  Then I did a series of illusions to MWS's  instrumental of "I Saw Three Ships".  This is where, among other tricks, I produced a dove from a pan of fire, and Zeke, our rabbit, from an empty box.  As always, they were a hit.  

With the door open for a gentle presentation of the Gospel, I did my cigar box routine to Melanie's version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful".  After thsi I spoke ever so briefly, but hopefully clearly, about  the 'real meaning' of Christmas.  And I followed this up with my double balance board routine to Melanie's version of the Hallelujah Chorus.

I ended my half hour dinner theatre with my 'Times Flies' illusion as I spoke about my recent 62nd birthday.  Certainly they all agreed that the older we get the faster time seems to go.  I used this truth to set up my vanishing champaigne bottle as I spoke about Solomon's final words at the end of Ecclesiastes:

"Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind."