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.

Billy B and MJ were traversing the cobblestone sidewalks of St Charles. Most people seemed very happy. Christmas is a happy time of year. The holiday decorations were resplendent. The wind was cold but their hearts were warm. Giant Nutcrackers were guarding the doors of the shops and their regular toothy grin was plastered on their faces. Everyone smiled more broadly as the holiday season lends itself to smiles. The Santa Claus and Dickens characters were absent as they did not appear on Tuesday. However, Billy B saw them in his mind’s eye. They walked the length of the historic Missouri town. At the end of the first leg of the walk was their favorite store. They always found something special in their Christmas Store. The Big Laddro Santa that MJ got for Billy B when he turned 50 held a special place in their hearts.

Billy B thought it a bit unusual that MJ was shopping with some determination and he wondered to himself if she was a girl on a mission.

Christmas Trees…the small decorative variety captured her imagination. And then there was the handpainted and handmade Nutcracker ornaments in a wonderful wooden box that were on sale for 50% off. Folks were talkative with strangers and spoke of their Christmas Dreams and their hope for the future.

As Billy B and MJ walked to their restaurant for lunch of Reuben Sandwiches and Grand Marnier a young woman stopped them and asked MJ for her opinion on the wedding ring that she had just purchased for her beloved. The ring was beautiful but the look of love in her eyes was mesmerizing. She indicated that her betrothed was a woman and quickly commented that we would…’ Tread lightly on that subject…’ MJ and Billy B told her that was wonderful and congratulated her…whereupon her eyes glistened and she wished them Merry Christmas and pronounced God’s blessing upon them. The Ringbearer and person unequivocally in love said, ‘It is about love and nothing more.’

Broadway is bright with the lights of the holiday season. There is a feeling of Christmas in the air. Each patron greets and smiles at their fellow as they enter under the flashing Marquee. The holiday decorations are beautiful and have an old-world Victorian charm. We feel as if we have time traveled back to the time of Dickens and Tiny Time and Bob Cratchit.

The Curtain is rising above the stage. The band is playing a snappy Christmas tune. On stage are the Holiday Players and their singing voices are in the theatrical range. Our hearts swell with emotion and we are filled with love for our fellow man and woman and boy and girl. We wonder why we do not feel this passion all year through. The Christmas audience is resplendent in their yuletide best. The brightness and the panoply of sounds, sights, and smells are overwhelming. The wise men enter from the back of the House. One sings in a profound and resonant bass voice. Things will be different we think…after this Christmas Moment we are changed.

The little girl holds her tattered coat closed about her freezing body. She sits on the cold metal steps in the dirty alley at the back of the glittering theatre.