Can you believe we are only a few days from celebrating Christmas 2012, a time when people around the world spend more money than at any other time of the year?

The items purchased vary each and every year; however, recently the hot items that everyone wants seem to be devices that allow us to keep in touch with our friends.

Have you considered just how this information age is affecting our society? We no longer have to wait to get pictures developed and sent through the mail, only to arrive at their destination several days later.

Now we can watch our grandchildren awaken, run to the Christmas tree and open their gifts even if they are half way around the world. Is this not amazing? What once took many hours or days to know what was occurring in any foreign country, we can now view instantly.

Our education systems are quickly adapting to this new concept of learning, and many schools allow students to learn via computer technology in an environment where he or she feels comfortable.

I find these new concepts interesting. My only concern is being able to keep up in this ever-changing technological world. What the younger generation understands amazes me. They can pick up any computer driven instrument and seemingly have the knowledge of how it is used.

This confuses me since I have trouble remembering what I learned about my cell phone just an hour ago. How will this latest technology change your world? I am finding more and more people accepting this change and making the decision to adapt.

Here at the chamber, we are seeing more and more members become active on Facebook, Twitter, etc. By the way, have you “friended” your chamber?

In America, we celebrate Christmas because over 2000 years ago, we were given a gift, and that gift was a Saviour to each of us.

During these last 2000 years, gifting has become synonymous with friendliness. Today, our latest generation is opting to continue this tradition.

They are taking the technology that our generation invented and moving forward by using it to make friends around the world, and while I am finding it difficult to keep up, I am loving the results.

What a wonderful world God created. This year, please take time to remember God’s gift to you, and take time to share your love and appreciation with your friends.

Merry Christmas everyone, from your chamber.