Eve
‘So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and dear one
The old and the young
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy new year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The worlds is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red one
Let’s stop all the fight
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy new year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so happy Christmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy new year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
War is over, if you want it
War is over now’
John Lennon
And, so, we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. We know that he was, ‘wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, because there was no room for him in the inn.’
We read where he was born in humble and mean surroundings and that he was neither accepted by the religious authorities of his day…nor the government of his time.
Although, ‘the common people heard him gladly,’ when it as was the time of his crucifixion….The mob, when given the choice of the release of him or the robber Barabbas…proclaimed….’Give us Barabbas!’
On this Christmas Eve…we pray for peace and security for our family and our friends and our acquaintances. The people that we encounter, that our within our social circle and our bubble and who attend church with us on Sunday morning. We know that we want the people that; look like us, and think like us, and worship like us…to be covered by God’s infinite grace….…
There was a popular saying, for many years, and there was even a bracelet made from the first letters of the proclamation, ‘What Would Jesus Do?’
When we see the homeless sitting, precariously, on the bar stool…WWJD?
When we see the Muslim being persecuted for their faith…WWJD?
When hispanic children are locked in cages at our southern border…WWJD?
When we love the exclusivity of a narrow and hate filled gospel….How will we feel when we fall out of it’s close parameters?
Could it be that the Christ only loves a minute segment of his creation? If that is the case….He is biased…just like us….
Christmas Moments
This morning I was thinking Christmas thoughts, which I often do throughout the year, when the landline rang and MJ answered it. Lo and behold it was our dear friend from London, Jeff, telephoning to wish us a Merry Christmas. What a delight it was to be surprised by this unexpected Christmas Treat!
I have known Jeff since I was 12 years old…or 50 years! Over the past 9 years of our retirement we have visited Jeff and Margo, on 4 occasions…and each has been memorable. I, vividly recall; Aaron and Jonathon and I, planning a trip to the United Kingdom over a Holiday Pint at S & B’s Burger Joint that is in the University Mall in Carbondale, Illinois. As I enjoyed Dragon’s Milk I reveled in the possibility of the four of us traveling to the UK in 2016! This planning meeting occurred just before Christmas 2015…and it was so enjoyable that I and my two sons have frequented the establishment since that Premier Meeting!
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I remember going to breakfast with my friend and colleague, Ken, during the Christmas Season of 2000 and asking him if he knew what houses were selling for in Carbondale? Ken had lived in Carbondale for many years and worked with me at Building Services, on the 3rd shift, as well as delivering the mail for the Post Office, during the day. We enjoyed Grand Slam Breakfasts at Denny’s and little did I know that I would be a Carbondale resident…in 3 months.
I think of the warmth that I felt, each year when I was an invited guest of Local #316 Service Employees Union, Christmas Dinner. As I walked from table to table of my friends who were enjoying a Christmas Lunch, I felt such acceptance and love from them…that they became my family!
Christmas with, Aaron and Jonathon and MJ, is such a special experience, each year, that I have to pinch myself to realize that I am not dreaming. I am part of a family that has given me so much joy and love and forbearance that I know that I am the luckiest man in the world!
I remember going to see the premier of the Walt Disney movie, Lady and the Tramp, in Chicago. Everything was magnificent and sensory cornucopia for a 3 year old! The strobing bright lights of the theatre marque and the crush of holiday shoppers, along with being with my, good friends, Steve and Susie, and my mom, and her best friend, Ivy.
The sculptured majesty of the theatre auditorium and the humongous screen, created an otherworldly experience. And that was all besides the fact that Susie was my girlfriend and I fell in love with Lady…during the course of the feature!
We spent several Christmases with our dear friends, Steve and Faye, first in Kingsport, Tennessee, and later in Gatlinburg. In Gatlinburg we would rent a condo and stay for a few days to enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the brilliantly lit city and the quaint shops and the, majestic, Smoky Mountains! A Christmas trip to Gatlinburg is not complete until you visit, Cades Cove. Cades Cove is a mountain village from the 1800s and it is mesmerizing and hypnotic. We like it so much, that many years ago we purchased a miniature Cades Cove Village. When I am in Gatlinburg…I am home!
We visited the Christmas Shop @ Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, when MJ and I visited in 2013. We were celebrating our anniversary and getting some time away after a difficult beginning to the year. As we spoke with one of the nicest people, who was working in the Shop, she thanked me for having the Christmas Spirit.
Each time that I enter our church @ First Presbyterian in Carbondale…I am transported into a Christmas frame of mind. From the numerous poinsettias to the Christmas Trees to the nativity and the singing of Christmas hymns and carols…the Presbyterians do Christmas right!
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A Chicago Christmas
Although I only spent 5 years in the city of my birth…I remember it well! There was a snow on the ground and more in the air, as mom announced that she had retrieved Laughing Santa…and that I must come to see him!
Before me was the little, stuffed, Chief Elf…with his brightly painted face and the crank on his back. The more that mom turned the crank…the more heartily Old St. Nick laughed. I watched his antics and reveled in his laughter and wondered how he was able to be so human and yet…seemed not to be so?
There were many, uniquely wrapped, gifts under the 8 foot aluminum Christmas Tree. Pointing at the shiny artificial Tannenbaum was a rotating light with a cover of multi-colors that diffused the spectrum of color of the subsequent glow of the beam.
We had returned from our excursion into the city where we saw the new release of Walt Disney’s movie, Lady and the Tramp. And, the information overload for me, at 3 years old, was tremendous…and ‘visions of sugarplums danced in my head!’
Soon dad and me and mom sat under the Tree as a, mysterious visitor, took our photo…’and that is the rest of the story.’
It was after dark and our outside Christmas lights were lit…and we heard a terrible commotion on the roof of our house in Sauk Village. It sounded like someone had been on the roof and fell off. As dad answered the door, I heard him proclaim…’Why come right in!’ There before us…was Santa Claus in all of his red suited, and white bearded, and pipe smoking glory!
Santa laughed, a lesser laugh, than what I had expected…and he wondered if he could use our phone to call Mrs. Claus? He went on to say that he and the Missus had been involved in a spat when he left and he needed to ensure that there was a home for him to return to…when the Christmas Eve work was completed. Dad showed him our one phone in the hall…and he began to dial. We gave him his privacy…he looked like that he needed it. We heard him say, ‘but…but…but,’ on several occasions, and then he joined us in the living room. Santa said that he had patched things up and inquired was there anything that he could do for us…before he resumed his journey. Mom responded that she would like for him to snap a family photo of us under the Christmas Tree. Santa took her camera and took two pictures…in case the first one did not come out right.
Dad poured the, ‘spritely old elf,’ some eggnog and asked if he wanted something stronger in it…and he smiled with the rosiest of cheeks and said, ‘absolutely!’
As Santa left, on our carport were the reindeer and a bright red glow…from Rudolph’s nose. Donner and Vixen called out to Santa and asked, ‘where’s ours?’ referring to the spiked eggnog.
So, that is how the Brooks Family Photo…was taken.
No Room… — The Jazz Man
And it came to pass in those days that a decree sent out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of […]
The First Day of Winter
I have been out and about on this last day of autumn. Groceries to purchase and Christmas Carols to enjoy! It seemed that each person that I met, had a spring in their step and a song in their heart. Christmas tends to bring out the inner child that we have inside of us…often very close to the surface. There is an air of expectancy as we wait for Christ’s birth.
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The celebration of Advent enriches the Christmas season. At our church, First Presbyterian, in Carbondale, Illinois, a family lights one of the Advent candles each Sunday of the season. There is a special joy and an honor to participating in this old ceremony.
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In our home, we have an Advent calendar box, that has a door for each day, from the 1st of December through the 24th of the month. Behind each door is a chocolate treat for each of the four Brooks! We take our Advent…seriously.
Winter is not so harsh in Southern Illinois. We are a full 300 miles from Chicago. Our nearest metropolitan area is, St. Louis, Missouri. We are also an hour drive from Paducah, Kentucky and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A more scenic location to live… cannot be found in all of Illinois!
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In 1978 we had a blizzard….Or 41 years ago. Since then our challenges are hit and miss as to inclement winter weather…with ice being the most treacherous element to negotiate. Three years ago, in December, we were attending our niece’s birthday party and the roads and walkways were clean and clear when we entered the local wintery. As we enjoyed the fellowship and delicious food and wine grown from the owners vineyard…someone entered and announced that it was not only snowing…but icing! So, we said our goodbyes and proceeded out into the wintery mix. Before us was a light skiff of ice that was between us and the car. I deducted that if I started to fall…that I would, simply, slide down the remainder of the small and short incline to the bottom where there was grass that would provide good traction. The next realization that I experienced was a tremendous thud as I hit the ground, on my side, hard…like the felling of a Sequoia! As I sat up and endeavored to breath….Several people called out to me and asked if I was all right? I strove to respond…but there was no breath for words…and I was unable to speak for one a minute. Then, we got into our car and I drove 50 miles home…on icy roads.
I just knew that I was simply bruised…until the muscle spasms began and their repetition was, approximately, every minute. The next day, after X-Rays, I discovered that I had fractured 3 ribs. Pain medicine and muscle relaxants help!
Each day, since the fall, I feel discomfort where my ribs were fractured…but not nearly as bad as when it first happened.
We old folks are afraid of ice…with good reason!
I have always liked winter. It is peaceful and quiet and serene. It is a good time to think and to plan and to assess where you have been, and where you are going. Winter lets you know who is boss. It doesn’t suffer fools gladly. It expects to be respected on its own terms…and will bless you with its benefits and wonders…if you obey the rules.
My Friend.
I missed the PSO Christmas Party today….I am sorry that I did. I received an invitation and on the envelope was written, ‘Please come, Jay.’ My reaction was, that is very nice and considerate. I felt wanted! I have been reflecting on my friends during this Christmas Season. I can think of few friends that I admire more than, Brad Dillard, the Director of Plant and Service Operations. I have know Brad for a long time. Well over 30 years.
MJ saw Brad at a local gas station, the other day, and she said that Brad told me to tell you hello, and she commented that she was amazed that he remembered her and that he was so friendly and open. I responded that she is speaking of the Brad Dillard that I have know, since I was young, and that is a long time ago.
Brad is a person that projects his care and concern for you, the first time that you meet him.
I was at the Campus Lake this past winter. I watched as several PSO staff followed their leader into the icy depths of the frigid lake! The all wore hard hats and vests and carried in their hands, as their Crest, a plunger!
The experience of meeting Brad is to be made, immediately, comfortable and at ease. His keen mind is coupled with a big heart!
Many years ago, I heard our campus First Lady, Shirley Beggs, compliment Brad to his boss, at the time, Harry Wirth, regarding the careful and considerate and professional response that she had received from Brad, when he oversaw what we referred to at the time as, Central Control. Harry noted that he appreciated the positive remarks regarding Brad and then went on to tell Mrs. Beggs, that the stellar treatment that she had received from Brad…was the same treatment that he provided for every member of the University Community.
Brad is a ‘big idea’ leader, with an eye for both the elephant in the room and the mouse that is hiding in the corner!
I know that Brad carries the burden of many of the concerns of his colleagues and that he is, constantly, searching for an answer to their problems.
Servant Leadership is is more rare that the gold of Ophir that is mentioned in the Bible.
Brad, is a Servant Leader.
As the candles that light the way of success, for the rest of us, and strengthen the renewal for our Campus…are extinguished…we are forced to travel in darkness.
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A Place At The Christmas Table For Loved Ones Who Have Passed On
One of the most moving tributes that I have ever been witness to was our niece, Tara, who lit a candle and spoke of her deceased mother at each Christmas…after Mary Jane’s untimely passing. The lighting of the candle and the words of tribute and sadness, that Tara spoke…were some of the most moving Christmases that I have ever experienced.
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2013 was a difficult year for the Brooks family. MJ was treated for breast cancer in January, with a great prognosis, and mom left us in October…after a long battle with Alzheimers Disease.
Mom and I were very close. We had seen a lot of hard times together. She always had my back! One of the first jobs that I had, where I felt that my boss was a bit abusive, I considered that if I told mom…she would tell him where to get off…in colorful language.
When a loved one leaves us…there is a hole in our heart that will never be filled. So much of our lives are inextricably intertwined with others. Christmas will never be the same…because our loved one…was a large part of the holiday!
So, we will sit at the Christmas Table…and we will reach over to hold the hand of our departed…and we will know in our heart that they see us and are with us and that they love us!
They are just in the other room……
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Do You See Me?
It is a week until Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve, in the Brooks family, was always a time to celebrate around our Christmas Tree and enjoy egg nog and open, one, present. After all, you can not open all of the presents before Santa Claus makes his, worldwide, sleigh ride. I used to look at the size of chimneys and ponder how the ‘Jolly Old Elf’ was able to fit down them?
When we began attending First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, Illinois, we were told by our friend, Carol, that we did not want to miss the churches Christmas Eve service. So, 21 years ago, our church began their Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 P:M:. The sanctuary was packed and folding chairs were set-up in the back to facilitate the overflow crowd that was in attendance. The church seemed to have beautiful, brilliant red, poinsettias everywhere. There was a large and ornate Christmas Tree in the Narthex. There were several nativities placed throughout the building. The Christmas Carols and hymns and the old world ambiance was reminiscent of Charles Dickens London…I looked for Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit. As the service concluded, shortly after midnight, we sang ‘Silent Night,’ by candlelight…and we greeted each other with a hearty, Merry Christmas!
This Christmas Season, I have had the profound pleasure of seeing some friends of mine, realize that they are appreciated and respected and seen by the community that they are a part of. It is a moving experience to watch a fellow human being who has felt, somewhat marginalized or invisible, realize that they are loved and a vital part of the work of the organization!
So often we pass the, cleaning person, and do not stop to consider their contribution to the success of our church or school or company.
Perhaps the clerical worker is working hours of unpaid time…because she/he loves the University and subsequently takes the burden of many on their shoulders?
Our church could not function without the expertise of our Administrative Assistant, Barb, and her compassionate caring for all who she encounters. Her ministry to the homeless and the needy, of whom she speaks with daily, should be entered into the ledgers of excellence!
Sara, professionally and with love, takes care of our childcare on Sunday mornings and at other times during the year. Her wisdom and measured and thoughtful handling of this vital service that our church provides, is exemplary!
Carlyn, is our, Music Director, and the Choir and our church love her! She is the holder of two, extremely vital, talents. She is a virtuoso in her field and she has the finest people skills that I have witnessed.
One of the first things that I noticed when I began attending First Pres, was that virtually everyone in the congregation volunteered in some type of worthy endeavor! They are, to this day, the most diligent and hardest working group of people that I have ever been associated with. Many of the people that I am referring to are in their; 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s!
Time and again, I was overjoyed to see members of the Building Services Staff at SIUC…honored for what they brought to the success of, and the recruitment, and retention, of our students! I have witnessed, quiet and reserved custodial workers, become leaders of their peers and contribute, expertly, to the success of their University.
We had a Chancellor who’s name was, Jo Ann, who recognized, by name, every kitchen laborer, and Grounds worker, and Building Service Worker, and Skilled Craft worker…and they loved her for it and would do anything for her!
I wrote of my friend, Patch, the other day. He appeared to be either homeless or from mean circumstances. Jonathon and I spoke with him, at church, for 20 or 30 minutes. When we parted, he said that he wanted to thank us for taking the time to talk with him….I appreciate that he took the time to talk with us!
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‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’
The big day is drawing close! It is at about this same time, each year, that I begin to experience Christmas gift fear. I am apprehensive that I have not purchased enough gifts for my family and friends. My, late, mother-in-law, said each Christmas Season that, ‘Jay sure loves Christmas!’
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One Christmas Eve…I chose to travel to the St. Clair Mall that is near St. Louis, and shop with abandon! With no one to temper my Christmas wishes…I had a good time. So, I visited, my favorite department store, Famous Barr. I not only enjoyed the store, but I had spent so much time there through the years…that I felt like I was at home when I was there.
There was a Dooney and Bourke leather key chain and matching leather wallet for MJ, and a racetrack for Aaron and Jonathon, and stuffed animals for all. I literally paid no attention to the price of the items, but instead was lost in the Christmas Spirit! And, so, I threw in some Waterford Crystal for MJ and electronic games for the boys. There was a Waterford Santa figurine for me and fine chocolates for the family. And, almost, a Partridge in a Pear Tree!’
When I arrived home and the gift opening commenced…all were happy and and their cheeks were red with delight, and their eyes glistened, and their hearts were merry,…and I learned that I must never be allowed to Christmas Eve shop, by myself, again!
When Aaron and Jonathon were small, we made an annual trek to the headquarters of Famous Barr, in St. Louis, to see the Christmas Bears. The store took their entire seventh floor to set up the most unique Christmas display of holiday bears assisting Santa with his Christmas gift making and the subsequent wrapping. The Bears were animated, and Disney World had nothing on there lifelike movements! The line for this, must see, display was long, and we stood in the queue patiently to be a part of this annual holiday event. Aaron and Jonathon loved the Christmas Bears!
I saw a picture of a Little Golden Book entitled, The Night Before Christmas, by W. Clement Moore. I had that very book! I so loved this poem that I memorized it and quoted it at each Christmas gathering, when I was a child.
Santa, for me, was Laughing Santa! He was a little stuffed creation with a plastic beard and a crank on his back, whereupon when turned he created the most unique and joyful laugh! Mom loved Laughing Santa and she enjoyed him as much, or perhaps more, than I did. I remember him from my first memories of Christmas.
Santa Claus was and is real to me! He visited my house when I was 9, at 116 West Street, in Eldorado, Illinois. The ‘Jolly Old Elf’ knocked on our front door and briskly strode in, with a wink and a grin, and a little pipe that he held in his mouth, ‘and I laughed when I saw him..in spite of myself!’ I was, literally floored in my revelation that there really was a Santa Claus!
When I heard, much later, that Santa was really Bob Winters, a friend of my step-father, Earl, I chose not to accept the news.
MJ and I enjoyed Irish Coffee during the Christmas Season, for several years, with our good friends, Jo Ann and Peter Argersinger. Jo Ann and Peter had a magnificent Christmas Tree! We exchanged Christmas gifts and they were Annual Waterford Santa Claus Figurines. Jo Ann seemed to believe in Santa Claus as much as I did. The Irish Coffee was strong and good and created a substantial Christmas Spirit!
When we first began attending First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, Illinois…among my initial observances was that the First Presbyterians do Christmas Right! There was a Christmas Tree in the Narthex and a Christmas Cantata and a Christmas Eve Service that transported me back to Charles Dickens England!
I saw a photo, of my friend Steve, sitting on Santa Claus lap. Steve is grown and as I saw the smiles on both his face and Kris Kringle…I knew that, ‘yes Virginia…there really is a Santa Claus!’
The Club
I throughly enjoyed lunch with Jonathon and, his good friend, Pinckney, this past week. We had pizza at the SIUC Student Center…and it was delicious. Pinckney is an english professor and good friend to Jonathon, as is his entire family. I have known many professors during my 41 year affiliation with Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale, but Pinckney is one of the most genuine and caring academics that it has been my privilege to meet.
We spoke of our beloved university and our mutual belief that it is on the upswing. We are satisfied that the worst days are behind us. We agreed that the high quality of the students that are attending SIUC is exemplary and that their thirst for learning is inspiring.
We also agreed that the pizza was delicious!
I was reminded during our enjoyable conversation that the, artificial, divisions that are prescribed as walls between; faculty and staff and students are a myth. We all desire the same success for the ‘Jewel of Little Egypt.’ We want the revitalization of our University and its continued success.
We spoke of the beauty of the Southern Illinois region. We commiserated on the fact that when people move to the region to join forces with SIUC, they often do not leave due to the idyllic and natural setting and peaceful living of the community.
We noted our mutual dismay that our experiences were similar in some churches that we had been associated with.
I mentioned that I had been affliated with more than one church, that when I chose to leave…no one called to say that they missed me or to inquire if I was planning on returning. One of the churches that I am speaking of, I had been a member for over 17 years and had been involved in every aspect of the operation.
We agreed that it was a bit like being affiliated with a Club…but not yet a member? It is a strange sensation to believe that you are a member in good standing of a church and then to, suddenly realize, that your importance to the groups was negligible.
Most christians want to be a member of a faith community. It is important that all are included, both when they are lovable and when they are grumpy. It is vital that free-thinkers and curmudgeons and doubters have a place at the table.
Those different than the majority and who have a differing understanding of scripture, and who are quiet or reserved or introverted, are vital to the success of Christ’s vision for his followers.
The poor, and the destitute, and the lonely, and the afraid…those who neither sing nor dance nor preach…have gifts for the community of faith that must not be ignored.
There must be a place for the depressed and the aggrieved and the abused and the downtrodden of society.
Is there a place at the churches table for the mentally ill?
Is there a place for the homeless, who are a bit scary, due to their long term suffering and rejection from society?
Is there a place for the atheist to come and enjoy the music and singing and encouraging words and the surrounding beauty of the sanctuary?
Is there a seat, and inclusion, for those who the church world deems sinners…and to be marginalized…and in Jesus time…stoning?
Perhaps we allow people to slip away from our church without ill intentions. We did not know them well…we do not want to intrude on their personal lives…we suspect that they must know what they are doing when they stop coming to our church?
What if we decide in the New Year that we are just going to be genuine with everyone that we meet? How about when our fellow parishioner is absent…we drop them a note, or call them, or an email would be fine, to let them know that we care about them and that their absence leaves a gaping hole in the faith community and that we miss them?
The Happy Traveler 