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 Boys 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 in, 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!

Les Ferguson Jr. grew up in Vicksburg and is a 1980 graduate of Warren Central High School. He holds a B.A. in Bible from Magnolia Bible College and an M.A. in New Testament Preaching from Johnson University. He lives and ministers in Oxford, Mississippi and is the author of “Still Wrestling—Faith Renewed through Brokenness.” He can be reached at lfergusonjr@gmail.com.