I met a lot of good people. It is a destructive myth that the world is full of bad and dishonest folk. In fact, the evil-doers are still in the minority. Everywhere I look I find goodwill and help for the asking. I recall beginning at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale 45 years ago. I was but a lad and the night supervisor even referred to me as ‘Lad.’ I knew little although I thought I had the corner of life’s knowledge and wisdom. I was amazed at the colleagues who showed me the ropes of working in Building Services and for the University. I felt like I had found a family…

When I attend our church…First Presbyterian in Carbondale…I feel the love of grounded Christians and the bedrock assurance that they desire my success. I am always pleased to see Rev. Judy Beyler who never fails to greet me and who remembers me although many years have passed since she was my pastor. Belonging is a blessing and a Balm of Gilead for the lonely soul.

Life can be scary. I recall texting and communicating with Rev. Janice West when MJ was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can feel today how frightened I was and how comforting Rev. West’s words were to me. Although MJ and I were in St. Louis for medical treatments…Janice was there because of modern technology and it meant a lot to both of us.

Alone on the stormy sea is scary. Believing that no one cares is devastating. Christmas is the time to change those depressing feelings. If I have learned anything in my 45 years of being a Christian it is that love for our fellow man is the teaching of the gospel of Christ. Not our fidelity to our doctrine or our desire to be Biblically correct at the expense of those whom we disagree with.

Tonight a young woman will take a hit of fentanyl and hope for oblivion from her loneliness and suffering. An upper-middle-class couple will have a Christmas Party with all of the best flavors of Ordevours and Grey Goose Vodka and the finest of bourbons. Laughter will ensue and shared projections for the future of the Stock Market will be enjoyed. After it is over they will seek some solace in additional pharmaceuticals and reveal the face of sadness that they only display when no one is looking…

A young girl sits on one of the heating grates of your city. Her mom and dad cast her out because she did not comply with their fundamentalist beliefs. They told her to come back when she decided that she wanted to serve Jesus.

Mary and Joseph make the arduous trek to Bethlehem. Mary is great with child. The trip is hard dusty and long. No one notices the young couple…they are not on the radar of the elite or the religious members of the day. They feel like they must be on Earth II. How could what the angel said be correct.