The Last Day has arrived. Tomorrow will be the First Day. We are gripped with anticipation. Years are a big deal to us. We only get so many. What will 2024 bring us? It will be much of what we make of it. The old saying is that you receive from someone what you have put into them…and this can be extrapolated to career, family, church, and friends. Life is a series of small events that make a magnificent quilt of many colors.

I have heard Pastor Kerry say something to the effect of believing in the Art Of The Possible. What are we doing that we can improve upon or expand within our abilities to do so? All success is incremental. Satisfaction ensues from attaining close enough goals that are achievable. 

We know that political turmoil is ahead in America as it is an election year. I have discovered that I can receive only so much political rhetoric without becoming a bit downtrodden. Balance is the key to happiness. 

Let us keep our accounts on our thumbnail and our eyes fixed on the love of our fellow humans who are lonely and needy and searching for the same question that we are…What is coming down the road…

This Christmas has been especially enjoyable. I watched Hannah Waddingham’s Christmas Special on Apple TV + and was transported into the season’s joy. Aaron got me a six-month membership in Ancestry and I am ready to delve into the mystery of where I came from. Jonathon gave me a magnificent vintage Santa Claus Stein and I will keep it on display all year long…as is my habit with everything related to Kris Kringel. MJ surprised me with a bottle of Grand Mariner and I am enjoying a glass of it at this writing and it is even in a Grand Mariner Glass…

I was reminded of what a wonderful family the Fleemans are which is MJ and my niece and nephew and their outstanding grown children and our great niece and nephew…Paige and Tyler. I can not get enough of them and hope to get more in 2024!

Our Christmas Eve service always enriches my Christmas Experience. The work of my fellow congregants to make this service so special is the penultimate to the conclusion of the Christmas Season. 

I would be remiss if I did not include the purchase of a vintage Blo-Mold Santa Claus to stand on our front porch and greet all who pass. 

So, Christmas causes me to reflect on the past and what is coming down the road in 2024. When we are young we know that our time is infinite on the Earth and thus we have more than enough minutes hours days and years to accomplish all that we set our minds to doing. I remember my high school graduation and the feeling I had of embarkation. Now I am a senior citizen and a few constants have kept me with a true feeling of place and purpose. Love of people which equates to my vision of the Christ. The blessing of family and their daily comfort in my journey. Looking for a miracle and astounded by the mystery of life. 

‘Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning, the Bible tells us. 

Soon we will be in 2024. The blessings and the challenges of it will come daily. Each day is a playing out of our supreme gift…life…

We talked with our dear friends Margo and Jeff today and it made our day. 2024 is going to be a great year! Do you recall that it was just a day or two ago that we began the Roaring Twenties? Or…the Pandemic that never left…

Life zooms by like a freight train and at times it is difficult to determine the scenery you are passing from the windows of the club car. There is a supreme joy in the journey. 

Each day is a New Year’s Day to me. As regarding resolutions when you become elderly you hope to be a better person and engage in some beneficial exercise and love rather than hate…compliment instead of criticize. 

Life is dynamic with surprise. The wonder of living and interacting with others makes each day feel like Christmas. I just read that we must give ourselves Grace. Do not be so hard on yourself. Most folks are giving their days hours and minutes their best efforts. Challenges abound but after you have been at the game of life for a season…most you have seen before. 

New Baby 2024 is waiting in the wings of Life’s Stage…Old Man 2023 is ready to exit slowly and with a sturdy cane. They are a bit like all of us. We are so much alike…we are so much the same…we are all members of the same family…

Christmas is such an exciting endeavor and requires a bit of a change in our thought process including our home decor that once it is over we seem to experience a valley of purpose for the end of December and certainly for the first few days of the New Year. It is nearing that time to take down the Christmas Tree and I annually suggest that we place a bag over it and leave it in the corner…resplendent with ornaments and garland and all…

Now…I discovered many years ago how to keep Christmas in my heart all year long…no kidding. I have several Santa Clause figures that stay out and one that I am particularly fond of in our foyer whom I call Skinny Santa. I enjoy Christmas music throughout the year and often sing Christmas Carols under the mild protestation of MJ. The Christmas Story captivated my heart when I was just a lad in Chicago and Neva J and Dad and I sat under the humongous Christmas Tree in our house that reminded me of the house on Leave It To Beaver. There was Laughing Santa and his delightful and peculiar laugh. I thought I must be the only person with a Laughing Santa. 

We were at Tyler’s House Warming a week ago tonight and at the event’s conclusion, a loud knock called our attention to the door and who entered…Santa! I was reminded of Santa visiting our little home in Eldorado so many years ago and my certainty that he was indeed real. 

The magic of Christmas is our shared magic of life. It is with us every day and accompanies us at all times. The mystery of the manger and the glory of the Son Of God coming to earth to we poor of the land is new every morning.

John Jacob Niles composed the song; ‘I Wonder As I Wander. 

‘A girl had stepped out to the edge of a little platform attached to the automobile. She began to sing. Her clothes were unbelievably dirty and ragged, and she, too, was unwashed. Her ash-blond hair hung down in long skeins…But, best of all, she was beautiful, and in her untutored way, she could sing. She smiled as she sang, smiled rather sadly, and sang only a single line of song.’

‘The girl named Annie Morgan, repeated the fragment seven times in exchange for a quarter per performance, and Niles left with three lines of verse…based on this fragment, Niles composed the version of ‘I wonder as I wander.’

‘I wonder as I wander out under the sky that Jesus my Saviour did come for to die. For poor on’ry people like you and I. I wonder as I wander out under the sky.’

‘When Mary birthed Jesus, ’twas in a cow stall. With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, and the promise of ages it did then recall.’

‘If Jesus wanted for any wee thing, a star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, or all of God’s angels in heaven for to sing, he surely could have it, cause he was the King.’ Wikipedia

We had a lovely Christmas with Ron, Ira Kaye, Tara, Mike, Paige, and Tyler. My spirit is always uplifted by the inherent joy they bring to any gathering. Although we live a bit apart we had the good fortune of seeing each other twice in less than a week and were the better for it. It was a rainy and warm Christmas. 

Individualism is a positive character trait that is too often ignored or misunderstood. I vividly recall my friend Jo Ann telling me years ago that she appreciated my support and I responded that if I did not believe in her and what she was attempting to do I would not support her. She answered that was why she valued my efforts. We seek those who will agree with us or will at least not rock the boat. Those who keep their own counsel are the canaries in the coal mine and warn us of danger ahead.

Whether… it be at work church or any social organization the dissenters should be valued. The courage to not be bullied or influenced to go the way of the Lead Lemming should be held with some esteem. Heaven help us if we do not develop some critical thinking in our politics. 2024 will demand our best efforts. Fealty to what the group thinks will not extricate us from serious issues that face us. 

Christ has come to us. We are feeling the peace of the Season. We are certain that we must change and that we can be better. We know that doing the same thing over and over gives us the same results that do not work…and that is a model that diminishes us. Jesus was truly his own thinker and worried not what the group-think was. He brought a radical faith that went against many of the recognized religions of the day. Jesus rocked the boat…and we are all the better for it.

Why is it all right for homelessness and hunger to be rampant in the richest country in the world?

Why does killing bring peace?

Why is Christ’s message and the movement grown from that message used by many as a massive cudgel to beat those who do not submissively follow into bloodied submission?

‘I did not realize that when you said that you would have liked to have been there for Jesus’ birth, you were serious and had a means of conveyance,’ Chet said.

‘Well it is all a bit mysterious to me as well as when St. Nicholas came up to me at St. Charles and asked me if I would like to take a special trip,’ Billy B answered.

‘We walked into our favorite restaurant and exited through the back door and thus we are here in Bethlehem,’ Neva J said with wonder in her eyes. ’There are the wise men and the shepherds and it feels like earth-shaking is happening,’ Jane exclaimed!

‘Even the animals of the barn are mesmerized and it appears that they are crying for joy,’ said Chet. 

‘This is the promised one that we have been waiting for,’ a shepherd said. ’He is the peacemaker and will turn us from our warring ways,’ he continued. 

‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward men,’ the angels sang.

‘We have forgotten too much…Christmas began here and the message is profound in its simplicity’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes. ’We have made being a Christian something to fight about and as a cudgel against those who do not share our feelings,’ she continued.

‘Jesus came into our world in lowly circumstances…look at him and his mother and Joseph…they have nothing and yet they have everything,’ Chet said in a somber voice.

‘Now you must go back and tell others what you have seen,’ said the angel who morphed into St. Nicholas…

‘Are you getting the Reuben Sandwich Billy B,’ Jane asked….

‘Is the Holiday Coffee Cake ready for sampling yet,’ Billy B asked?

‘There is a little off to the side but the lion’s share must go with us Monday for Christmas at Grandma A’s…I am also cooking my famous Roast Beast for the big day,’ Neva J answered.

‘Is it true that we are really going to travel by horse-drawn carriage this year,’ Jane asked with a gleeful grin as wide as the Cheshire Cat of Alice In Wonderland?

‘Yes and we will have red and green blankets to cover our laps with Christmas Bells on the horse’s bridles,’ Chet said.’ ’The only item we need to have the perfect Christmas trip is snow,’ he continued with a holiday wink.

‘Ho…Ho…Ho…Santa proclaimed as he helped each of the holiday revelers into the carriage. ’This will be a Magical Christmas like no other…,’ Santa continued in an especially Merry Mood…

‘Tommy L is sitting by the Orpheum Theatre…He looks a bit forlorn…Tommy L join us for our Magical Christmas Ride,’ Santa called out! 

‘I can not believe my good fortune…it is a Christmas miracle…I customarily spend Christmas alone and have a hamburger for dinner and since it is Christmas I order french fries with it,’ Tommy L said. 

‘Don’t forget Rosie…she will meet us at the Dairy Queen…she was going to spend Christmas alone and I told her not this year,’ Neva J laughed.’

‘I usually spend Christmas listening to Christmas songs on my phonograph…I often feel so lonely…but today I feel like a queen,’ Rosie exulted! 

Standing along Locust Street were Bessie and Jim waving at Santa driving the brilliant horse-drawn carriage with the merry jingle of the bells and the laughter ensuing from the group in the holiday conveyance and drinking hot chocolate. 

‘Look…they have no coats and their shoes have large holes in them,’ Chet said sadly. 

‘Climb aboard Bessie and Jim and look in the bag in the back of the carriage as I have a warm coat for each of you and some dapper new shoes as well, Santa bellowed with a majestic laugh!

‘Climb out and help Mary in the carriage and place her wheelchair in the back,’ Santa said with a wink and a draw of his pipe as the smoke circled his head like a wreath…

‘Oh little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie. Above the deep and dreamless sleep…the silent stars go by. Yet in thy, dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.’ the Victorian Carloers sang. 

Snow began to fall…

Temperature in the 50s on the first day of winter. Walking was lovely in the GC Woods with the thoughts of Christmas swirling in my head. The shortest day of the year is here and now they begin getting a bit longer each day. 

Winter brings the sleep of nature. The residents of the woods have settled in for a long Winter’s nap. But not before Santa Claus makes his prescribed journey on Christmas Eve. I know the elves must be loading his sleigh at the writing of this treatise. Santa is the hope and dreams of millions of girls, boys, moms, and dads. The world is hurting with strife and war and the visions of political calamity…then there is Santa and his mission of goodwill, hope, and peace. 

You know…there was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer who was shunned by others due to his prominent proboscis. It glowed a brilliant red… Rudolph stood out in the crowd for his brilliant nose. Some thought him afflicted…but God made him special to help Santa see through the blizzard… 

And so it goes Kurt Vonnegut told us. We all have a part to play in The Stage of Life. Tears come to my eyes when I watch the precious children in the Shriner’s commercials. Their upbeat attitude sweet smiles and melodious voices cause me to think that in the next life, they will be our leaders and not the caustic self-serving elected politicians we are afflicted with.

‘The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.’ Isaiah 11:6.

The time of Christmas draws nigh. I receive countless emails informing me with bold letters that this is the last day to purchase that special Christmas gift and ensure its arrival by Christmas Day… We scurry about with the joys and stresses of the season but in our really good health and make true our commitment to our love for the holiday and the Baby for whom it is named. 

Have you ever been sick? What a loaded question as all of us have. One Christmas many years ago I became suddenly so ill that MJ Aaron and Jonathon went to Grandmother’s House without me. My niece called me and said how they had missed me. It made such an impression on me that I remember it over 30 years later.

I have been with loved ones who were very ill at Christmas. Not only are they worried…but all of their family and friends are as well. Christmas is a light of joy in the darkness. It is a candle raging against the dark…

As we become older we become less adventurous and less mobile. My Aunt Vema and Uncle Ed always left our Christmas dinner at Neva J’s early to get home at Stonefort before it became dark and it did so at 5:00 P:M:. I used to ponder their assertion that they did not like to drive in the dark…and now I do not either. 

Life’s Chapters blow by as if in a stiff wind. First, we are young and feel certain that it will always be such. Then we work around the clock to provide for our family and to get ahead and become involved in many controversies that have little meaning when gazed at through the rearview mirror. 

Often the questions of life seem to require immediate answers. Christmas settles us a bit. Our journey is ongoing on Christmas Day…but it is different because of the light…

‘Lady And The Tramp is on in the City,’ Neva J said. 

‘We must go and take Danny and Pauly and Steve and my girlfriend Susie,’ Billy B said triumphantly!

‘I will go with you guys and make a day of it,’ Ivy said gleefully. ‘We have a little Cocker Spaniel that looks just like Lady…and your dog is the spitting image of Tramp, she continued. 

Chicago was festooned with magnificent Christmas decorations. The Theatre Marquee was ablaze with the lights of the holidays and the auditorium was full to capacity. Chicago was an etheral magical world. 

‘I feel that I am a part of the movie and that I am a member of the Darling family,’ said Billy B with sleepy eyes. ’I am a bit in love with Lady…,’ he said as he fell asleep.

‘Look, Lady…Billy B Darling has fallen asleep in the Theatre,’ Tramp said. ’He looks so happy…why he and Neva J and his friends are watching us on the big screen…I hope the Siamese Cats do not find him or they will work their mischief,’ he continued with a downcast air.

‘He is such a sweety…I wonder if he likes pasta,’ Lady asked? 

‘Wake up Billy B…Lady has had her puppies and they are spectacular,’ Neva J said as Ivy looked on with a broad smile…