I closed my Move Goal again on my iPhone Ap. I love to close my move goal. I can close it most days and my smartphone wants me to raise the goal. Now why would I want to do that…I enjoy exceeding the Goal too much…

Christmas is a little over a week away but the weather does not seem so. My winter clothes are nice and warm. I saw a fly in December…and he was lost. We are all a bit lost as we acclimate to the warming of our planet.

Santa has ordered Bermuda shorts for the big night. It may be premature but the big guy gets hot. The elves drink iced coffee and Chocola rather than their usual hot chocolate. Outdoor toys and games are all the rage on Santa’s list. Our political leaders have requested several fiddles as they want to follow Emperor Nero in practicing their musical prowess. 

‘What…Me Worry,’ Alfred E. Newman said.

Covid never left. We do not hear about it as much but we see its virulent results in our communities. As the holidays come we must be on guard.

Expediency is the governor of our leaders. What is good for today and for our pocketbooks and investments. Religious theories seem to govern physical realities and they pay little attention to the devasting aftermath of the results of their implementation. 

‘We need a little Christmas right this very minute…’ and 2024 will be our New Year just a week later…

It is another lovely day in the neighborhood. The weather is once again spring-like. What will the cost be? ’Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat…won’t you please put a penny in the old man’s hat…if you haven’t got a penny a hay-penny will do…if you haven’t got a hay-penny…God bless you.’ Often we look at others and wonder why we do not possess what they do…seldom do we look in the mirror. 

Married we are to our beliefs. What we learned as children and the words of our friends lead us to form how we treat others less fortunate. I heard that when the Christian Community first decided to become more engaged in politics during the 1970’s we saw politics through our Christian lens. Now it seems we see Christianity through our Political Lense. 

I watched a fascinating movie last night regarding time travel and how one change in time could affect significant patterns in life. Indeed we became who we are through millions of little seemingly insignificant occurrences. Perhaps we were slighted or, as Neva J often said, ‘High Hatted’ meaning the elite or, in our perception, did not make us feel welcome or seen…

A mixture of emotions, historical conspiracy theories, and often wrongly perceived hurts have formed our presentation to the world. All that is required of us is to love our human family. Our fellows are more like us than different from us. In search of the Spirit of Christmas, we are…when we can find it in the Manger. The shepherds and the wise men stood side by side in their shared humanity. The animals stood in their midst as fellow creations of God. 

The barn in Bethlehem…the Manger…the birth of the Saviour…in common and mean circumstances was a beautiful place to discover unity of purpose. 

Peace On Earth…Goodwill To Man…

‘He said that I would have a child,’ She said.

‘Pardon…who is the father,’ Her betrothed asked?

‘Well I am a Virgin but I feel the baby quicken within me,’ She answered. ’ He told me that the baby’s name would be Jesus and that He would be the Son Of God and rule over Israel forever,’ She said.

‘So…is that what He told you…and who is He to have such incredible knowledge of your physical condition,’ The Betrothed asked?

‘He is an angel and was sent by God…He had wings and was very tall,’ She answered.

‘Had wings you say…did He have a shofar or a sword as well,’ The Betrothed asked? 

Time passed as it always does and soon She was great with child. The young couple had to journey to Bethlehem to participate in a census ordered by the Roman Emperor Cesar Agustus. The donkey ride was long hot and dusty. 

‘Our relationship is as the kids say…complicated,’ The Betrothed said. ’All I have is faith…the evidence is a bit difficult to understand,’ he continued.

‘Well the Innkeeper says that he does not have a room for us although I told him that you are about to deliver a baby,’ The Betrothed told Her. ’The surly man said that we can sleep in the barn with the animals,’ The Betrothed continued. 

‘Where did all of the people come from…and many with gifts for the Baby,’ She asked? 

‘The shepherds say that an Angel told them where to go and the nicely dressed men who say that they are wise followed a star,’ The Betrothed answered. ’The animals seem enraptured with our Baby…there is a look of love in their eyes,’ The Betrothed continued.

‘I have asked much of you, my love,’ She said. ’What do we do now, She asked?

‘It has been a wild and crazy ride and I am not referring to the donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem,’ The Betrothed said. ’Since God has brought us this far…he must have a plan for the rest of the journey,’ The Betrothed continued. 

He told the Lamb to speak and it said,’ Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people. For this day in the city of David, there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.’

Poinsettias were everywhere. The Christmas Tree was heavy with ornaments. Christmas music sung by the choir and accompanied expertly by the pianist was inspirational. There were candles lit and their mysterious flickering lent an aura of something special happening. The pastor began to preach about the birth of the baby Jesus. He spoke in the manner of Dickens’s time and his words impacted as if the Christmas Eve Service was being held in Victorian England. You could breathe in the expectancy of the event and feel the Spirit of Christmas sitting next to you on the ancient pews.

The old church was a magnificent structure. Stained glass windows adorned both sides of the sanctuary. The pews were full and folks were standing in the back. The organist was adept at her craft and the subsequent sound was heavenly. The angels sat on the crafted beams of the vaulted ceiling. In a moment Billy B felt the meaning of Christmas. He had searched for a church that kept Christmas Well…

Behind Billy B was a mother and father and their two daughters. They had felt alone for most of their time in the small city. Billy B could hear one of the girls’ coughs and noticed that she had a runny nose. The little family had decided at the last minute to attend the Christmas Eve service in a final effort to find the meaning of Christmas in a little town that seemed clannish and segmented among old friends and acquaintances.

The lights were turned off as each person’s little candle was lit. Smiles emanated from the forgotten family as the minister lit each of their candles and wished them Merry Christmas…

‘Silent night, holy night All is calm, and all is bright’

‘Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild’

Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace…’ Silent Night

Tears of joy streamed down Dad’s face. Mom grabbed his hand as well as her daughter’s hands.

No longer would they be…alone…

The little Southern Illinois and former coal mining town was resplendent in Holiday Decorations. The parking along the town was striped for diagonal parking. The brilliantly lit Christmas wreaths were stretched across the road and secured on either side by the telephone poles. For a small town as all of Little Egypt’s towns were…it was dazzling. There was a humongous Santa Claus statue near the bank, accentuating the uptown Quadrangle. The little town was of faith and many churches dotted its blocks.

The Orpheum Theatre marquee was ablaze with cascading lights. Lanny gave Billy B a drive to the Christmas Movie. A fifth of Peppermint Schnapps sat next to the happy driver and he offered Billy B a drink if he so chose. Billy B thirstily drank not 1 drink but 3 or 4 and suddenly felt very much in the yuletide mood. ‘Are you sure you are alright to go to the movie,’ asked Lanny?

‘I have never felt better if I may be so bold…I must have some more Schnapps soon,’ Billy B said with red-cheeked and watery-eyed joy! ‘I must confess that is the best Peppermint Schnapps that I have ever tasted,’ Billy B proclaimed!

The Orpheum was full of Holiday Cheer. Billy B stumbled to his seat…he was 9 years old. He fell asleep before the opening credits of It’s A Wonderful Life…

As Billy B left the Theatre he noticed Christmas Cookies Divinity and Holiday Punch for sale along the sidewalk the Orpheum set on. Where was the Ben Franklin Dime Store and Carter and Choisser’s Drug Store? Several people were wearing top hats and an English Bobby was standing next to him. A horse-drawn carriage pulled up to where he was standing and the driver asked if would like a ride…and he rode with joy. In the large circle of the connecting streets of the Quadrangle where many special events were held… was a group of young women dancing to the most compelling tune. Their graceful movements were swan-like and it was obvious that they had practiced for some time. Christmas arts and crafts were in every widow and hanging from all lampposts.

Eldorado was different but it was beautiful… Everyone was happy and full of the Spirit of Christmas…and Billy B awoke in 1966…

Derrick brought the Spirit of Christmas to our house. He is our Pest Control Technician. Derrick and his wife have a new baby. He is over the moon regarding the miracle of the New Life in his home. He shared with MJ and me several photos of his pride and joy and in one the baby had a little sock hat on and I immediately was reminded of Aaron and Jonathon. Derrick has two more stops to make and then he must rush home and get mother and baby for a Christmas Party…

The Advent of New Life is precious and always worthy of a celebration. The profound excitement of being in the world and a part of all of its sights, sounds, and mysteries is exhilarating to experience and exciting for those who drink the cup of life with you. Whether it is your first Christmas or your 66th…life is new every morning.

A bit jaded we are by some repetition. I was watching the movie…The Square…which illustrates the vagaries of what is considered art and who assigns the value. In the film, the main character is engrossed in the nuances of art and his promoting of it. At the same time, there are homeless all around him on the streets outside his museum. Although he turns his head and pretends not to notice them he does answer a poor woman that he does not have cash for her request but that he would buy her something to eat. She responds immediately with a food order. When she complains that he got an item of the request wrong he looks on with some disgust.

‘I must get the kitty cats’ food ready…they like the cereal that I cook for them,’ Neva J said with a twinkle in her eye. ‘They wait for me each morning and come running when I bring the big pot that has the warm food in it…there were just a few of them but the group has grown to 10 or more over the years,’ she continued. ‘If it was not for me…they would starve.’

‘I love to watch the Christmas Eve Service from the Vatican,’ Chet remarked. ‘The pageantry and vibrant colors and the statue of the Baby Jesus in the manger inspires me,’ he mentioned. ‘The humility of Pope Francis captivates my imagination,’ he continued. ‘He seems to love those who lack love and who have been forgotten by society, Chet said softly.

‘How is it that you noticed me when no one else did…when I walked down the sidewalk many looked the other way or crossed the street to not have to encounter me,’ Abigail with one eye asked?

‘When I see you I see Jesus…when I see you…I see love and New Life,’ Neva J answered…

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.

Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday that I was rejoicing in my favorite months of the year…the ‘Ber’ months and now they are all completed but one. September was our annual Maine Holiday and then October brought my 66th birthday November Aaron’s 42nd birthday and then Thanksgiving. Christmastime has arrived…

I just finished another fascinating Stephen King novel entitled Holly. Two of its main characters were retired professors and I identified with them as during my career I was friends with many professors and developed a bit of a feel for the academic community. I also am retired and in my golden years. Rather than reveal the premise of the book away although it is revealed soon into the reading…it caused me to think of the old adage…what goes on behind closed doors…

We blue-collar folks and those of us who have experienced the other side of the tracks…have a bit of a hero worship for the elite of our society. As I heard an acolyte of a former President say, ‘He is the leader and so he gets to do whatever he wants.’ We are certain that our betters know what is best for us. Or as a good friend told MJ many years ago they really did not want to chart their own path and enjoyed a leader doing their thinking for them.

The irony of our society having more information at our fingertips and less understanding of facts is compelling. We all have been provided our megaphone and work daily to see who can speak the loudest.

MJ and I saw the most spirit-lifting short Christmas Special, Hannah Waddingham’s Home For Christmas on Apple TV+. I look for an event or if I am lucky two that renew the Spirit of Christmas in my heart…this show has done the trick and then some. Hannah’s wonderful voice and the passion with which she sings are inspirational!

O Little Town of Bethlehem calls us to see each other as brothers and sisters on the same journey. The Star in the east is leading us to where the baby lay in a manger with no crib for a bed. The story of Christmas is the story of the equality of humankind. None better than others nor none less than their neighbors.

Few will remember what we knew how much money we had or how fine our home and car were…they will remember how we made them feel…

Our smile is long remembered when given with love to our fellow man and woman and when we offer our heartfelt smile to those who receive few…it is indelible in their memory.

When we leave…our smile will remain…