It's Christmas time, so Seattle is decking the streets and storefronts with boughs of holly. It's quite gorgeous, actually, but I'm afraid dear ole' Macy's has gone a bit too far--at least from my vantage point. Obviously, Macy's loves Christmas. They have that parade and everything so they seem to be kind of a fan. Something about making 70% of your annual sales during the time period will do that to a retailer I suppose.
The downtown Seattle Macy's has decided to commemorate the season with a giant, 6 story scale model of the Star of Bethlehem (which explains the recent run on gold, frankincense, and myrhh in the city). It would be quite lovely if it weren't so bright. At the center, there is what seems to be a 50 gigawatt, Space Shuttle headlight focused right in my window. It's like a police search light aimed into my condo, which is enough to make anyone feel nervous. I keep expecting my door to be kicked open by assault rifle wielding SWAT members at any moment.
And even though the light is blinding and keeps me from my restful slumber, I worry more for the people at Macy's than I do for myself (it's in my nature to care more for others, just ask around). I keep thinking back to the story of the tower of Babel. If building a tower that reached to the heavens ticked off God enough to send its builders scurrying to parts unknown speaking in different tongues, I can't imagine what fate lies in store (pun intended) for those who attempt to recreate the North Star. Surely it's more consequential. It's a heavenly body they're mimicking here.
Because I'm a concerned Christian, and a bit of a self appointed prophet, I called the good folks at Macy's to warn them--I felt it was the least I could do. The customer service agent seemed less than concerned, though. I couldn't make out what she was saying between the cursing and the fits of laughter, but at least I know I've done my part. If tomorrow I see a mass exodus of Macy's employees, all confusingly shopping at other department stores, I'll know why. And I'll rest easy knowing I did all I could to prevent it.
Said the city boy to shoppers at the mall
Do you see what I see
Shining bright, affixed to that store's wall
Do you see what I see
A star, a star, so bright it makes you blind
It will bring you Lacoste and Calvin Klein
It will bring you Lacoste and Calvin Klein
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