By Les Ferguson, Jr.
Columnist
I’ve come to realize I’m a junkie. It isn’t illicit drugs or alcohol or anything of a
sexual nature. Instead, it’s words. It’s information. It’s both conveying and having
knowledge and information conveyed back to me.
So, I read. I write. I devour ideas, opinions, and words. Yes, I’m a junkie. The
evidence is undeniable. I stand convicted. On end tables, nightstands,
workbenches, desks, or wherever I find myself parked for a short time, you’ll find
stacks of books I’m reading, waiting to read, or need to read.
Admittedly, most are of a theological or leadership nature, befitting my role as a
minister and teacher. But some other interests capture my attention, too.
In addition, I’m a voracious reader of good fiction: political thrillers, lawyer
dramas, science fiction, and Tom Clancy. There will never be another Tom
Clancy, but that’s another story.
The Goodreads app tells me I averaged one novel every two weeks in 2024. The
year is not over yet, and I’m sure there is another book to finish.
In full disclosure, that’s long been the pattern of my life. I vividly remember
Christmases with multiple Hardy Boy books and even Nancy Drew. No male
chauvinism for this reader.
Striving with my siblings to read the backs of the cereal boxes at breakfast. Yep.
That was me. Reading a Louis L’Amour novel at school by hiding it in a class
book. That was me, too.
These days I enjoy perusing X (formerly known as Twitter) for news, information,
etc. I also read and write on Substack. Information at your fingertips and on the
go. It’s a great time to be alive.
Depending on which paper you are reading this, it is Christmas Day. And in
keeping with the spirit of the season, I saw the following written by David
Cassidy, a minister in Florida, on X:
“On countless occasions, history has witnessed a baby become King. Only
once, however, has a King become a baby. Come let us adore Him.”

Whatever you read, wherever you get your news and information, you’ll never
hear anything better than the story of Jesus.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on
his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah‬ 9‬:6‬ NLT‬‬)
O come let us adore Him. Merry Christmas to all!