There is a feeling of snow in the air…snow coming soon. There is still the feeling of Christmas in our midst but soon it will be in the rearview mirror. The Bible tells us, ‘ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life.’ 

The old Mission Impossible television show began each week with the head spy receiving a reel-to-reel tape recording of his team’s mission…’If you choose to accept it?’ We have the same question daily and certainly at the beginning of the New Year. 

Many times our hopes deferred are realized when we help others reach their hopes. Not so long ago we understood that good manners trustworthiness and character were of paramount importance to our daily walk. How does a leader explain why they are making fun of a person’s challenges? 

When thinking of Next…we must think of our future as human beings on the journey back to Jerusalem…not just what we like and enjoy. Change is as certain as the Sun rising in the morning. 

Thinking of others is the key to happiness. Empathy is vital. Our hopes are wrapped in shiny wrapping paper that is bound together with the most festive ribbon.  If you were sitting around the Christmas Tree and watching our hopes being unwrapped…you would notice the peculiarity of their similarity. 

We think that we are all quite different but the truth be known is that we are much more alike than different. We want answers to life’s persistent questions. We want peace rather than war. To receive these mutual desires for the future will require listening to others with whom we disagree. It will require an open mind. It will require a mutual affection for our species…the human species. 

Next…is not easy…it is not a given…it has not been written in stone. Next depends on us. Rome fell from internal divisions. Churches in the United States are doing the same thing. 

Money has shut and padlocked many mouths. Good people who fear losing their livelihoods are silenced by those who write their paychecks. The people we elect to be our leaders often are not rich. Congress or the Senate is a bit better than any job they have experienced. Our political system was to be so…full of farmers and labor and businessmen and clergy…it was to be gatherings of the people. The intention of our founding fathers was to have the people’s voice to be heard and then after a season, they would return to their chosen vocation. 

Let us talk about what we want next. Our church is currently having this important discussion. We must be clear regarding our vision for the future. Our voice is not more important…but is as important as our brother and sister’s voice in fashioning what is…Next…

So New Year’s Week is almost over. After that, it is a slippery slide to Memorial Day and then July 4th, and soon we are in the Holiday Season again. I have heard of people making a five-year plan for where they want to be and the level of their success after what seems like a substantial amount of time. Now that I am old I realize that five years goes by like the blink of an eye. 

I peered at my reflection in the barber’s mirror earlier this week and noticed an elderly gentleman looking back at me. I wondered what they had done with my youthful appearance. However many friends older than me have admonished that the goal is to stay on this side of the dirt. 

Just being and having a sense of place are the true adventures. So many of our profound concerns turned into nothing and our wellspring of worries were little more than overactive assumptions regarding others. Hope and happiness are in front of us if we choose to avail ourselves of them. 

Somewhere we have gotten a bit lost. Where we once saw politics through our faith. Now we have replaced faith with our politics. The idea that any earthly leader will suffice in the light of the war for America has dimmed our vision and diminished us in the Christian journey. Christianity equates to mean and arrogant people who are self-satisfied in their righteousness many of our neighbors think. I am not talking about one political party but both. The message of Christ is neither the bloodthirsty warrior who is defending America against the infidels…nor is he the comfortable parishioner who has little time for the poor among them…

Talk is cheap. Actions speak volumes. Perhaps who we are is not who we want to be. There is no better time to change the picture than today. Remember in five years you can look back and say I began my road of change during New Year’s Week of 2024…and that has made all of the difference…

I am a bit addicted to tradition. I traveled to Eldorado last January 4th to snap some photos thus I had to do so again today. We have Christmas ornaments from 40 years ago. We recently finished our 6th holiday in Maine. I say roughly the same things each day and do the same things. If it is not broken do not fix it…

‘Let’s do a Polar Bear Plunge at Pounds Hollow,’ Chet said. ’It will be just the ticket to inspire us on our journey into 2024,’ he continued. 

‘Well it is in the 30’s but the water will be freezing,’ Jane remarked. ’Last year I got a terrible cold after the PBP,’ she added. 

‘How will we get in as the Hollow closed Labor Day,’ Neva J asked? ’Is the hole in the fence still there,’ she asked?

‘Gosh it is frigid,’ Billy B said with his teeth chattering. ’Whose idea was this January adventure,’ Billy B continued.

‘My idea…I got a new Wet Suit for Christmas and wanted to try it out,’ Chet said with a wide grin.

‘I have packed some wonderful hot chocolate spiked with Bullet Rye Whiskey,’ Neva J laughed.

‘I believe that a Wet Suit will be much warmer than the rest of our PBP garments,’ said Jane. 

‘Tommy L is sitting by the lake and looks cold and forlorn,’ Jane said with concern. ’Tommy L what are you getting ready to do…are you going to take the Polar Bear Plunge with us,’ she asked?

‘I had the taxi bring me out to Pounds Hollow…I have always wanted to take the Plunge but have no swimming trunks and I feared that the cold water might interact with my physical challenges and that I might drown if I had no one to help me surface and get out of the cold water,’ Tommy L said with a sad countenance.

‘You will not get cold with my Wet Suit and you can breathe through my snorkel, Chet said in a jubilant tone! 

‘We will be surrounding you and will lift you out of the water,’ Jane said with a beaming smile.

A

tall figure with massive wings and a beatific smile stood by the hole in the fence…

We live in hope…I have heard it said. We live for God’s Peaceable Kingdom. People who propagate peace love and regard for their fellow humans catch our attention and religion has little to nothing to do with it. Is not Christianity to be lived rather than talked about?

Our problems are domestic interpersonal and dysfunctional. We do not have the elite concerns of who has the Ph.D. and Master’s Degree…we are much more pedestrian than that. The author Robert Fulgum said that All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten in his groundbreaking bestseller. 

Capatlilasim is the key we cry with economic fervor as being the New Jerusalem… Serve Jesus and get rich…what is not to like… Some of us are chosen and the rest of you people are not…get used to it…our evangelical churches tell us. Follow our political party…Uhh…I mean our Church if you want the abundant blessing of Capitalism and God’s holy country…his chosen…his people…

The poor girl sits quietly on the heating grate outside the Theatre. She had big plans and dreams when she moved out of her parent’s home. Her mom slapped her face and her dad abused her. She knew that there was a place for her in the New Jerusalem… Theatre-goers pass and look the other way in their fine clothing and hats and leather gloves and neck scarfs. She hopes some will drop a quarter or two and perhaps she will get a chance to audition for a production. But…she is exhausted and has a persistent cough. Her throat is sore and her feet are cold…

Our weather has become seasonal. Two winter events are on our horizon. Wintery Mix, snow, or even storms may occur within the next week. Such is meteorological life in Little Egypt. My walk was good this morning and crisp and cold. Giant City State Park sections have the road to them blocked, including Do Not Enter signage. This is a bit of what we encounter in our lives. We have our hearts set upon traveling roads that we have not gone only to discover there is a blockade. Two thoughts occur to us when we encounter a roadblock. One is perhaps it is dangerous on the other side and the other thought is that we will find a way around the impediment. I saw several vehicles drive up to or near the warnings and then turn around and backtrack. One truck proceeded to drive through the saw horses and I wondered what they would do when they came upon the padlocked gate…

Dreams propel us through our daily struggles. Often we are full steam ahead to attain our dreams until someone tells us that we had best rethink our aspirations. We visualize what we dream of and yet become easily dissuaded when negative advice or roadblocks are placed in our way. All success is incremental but the journey is most enjoyable. 

‘I fear that Boy will never amount to very much…he does not seem to know how to do anything and when he attempts to accomplish a task he is full of questions and some trepidation,’ He said. 

‘He has to learn and although he is a bit slow he is a good Boy,’ She said. ’I would like to see him go to Barber College as I believe he is well suited for the task,’ She said.

‘I will be back to visit…thanks for everything,’ Boy said. ’I have a profound faith and a desire to succeed and I shall do so with God’s help,’ Boy continued.

‘Mr. B. I appreciate all that you have done for me and giving me a chance at a job that leads to a career,’ Happy Person said. ’You gave me a chance when no one would,’ HP continued…

Today is significant. It has weight. It has value. Today we feel the burden of 2024 on our shoulders. We know the New Year will ask much of us. When I was working I understood what each season of the year brought my department regarding its duties and challenges. The same can be said for life now as a retired person beginning my 14th year of retirement.

The Sun is shining bright on our Old Illinois Home as we embark on 2024. We retired folks have our challenges. Health is a primary one. Our bodies are deteriorating while we are walking around in them. You begin to notice the transformation around 40. Faith is transforming in the United States. Denominations are losing membership while fundamentalist churches are gaining members. The Moral Majority was the catalyst in combining faith/nationalism. Many folks worship America. I love my country but I am not convinced that the authors of the Bible had America in mind when they wrote their portion of the book.

Life in 2024 will be best observed through the prism of your local challenges. We are a bit focused on national and international occurrences when our true impact is at home. Who is in need? Who is hungry? Who is homeless. Are books being banned in our libraries? Are civil rights being abated and abridged in our towns villages and hamlets? 

Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath it entered into the heart of man what one person can accomplish that is inspired by their cause! 

This is the first day of the rest of our lives. We can change. We can be reborn and renewed and revitalized. We can develop a new vision of the future. All success is incremental as is all improvement…but today is a good day to begin…

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