In anticipation

of the celebration,

as is tradition,

during winter’s

dark and cold,

we release

the old

and embrace

the new

to

imagine who

we could

possibly

be.

Someone who

can do

10,000 steps?

No cigarettes?

More protein?

Much less screen?

New commitment!

A covenant!

A resolution

at the conclusion

of the year

to clear

the excess.

Yes,

birthing

is a process

and being human

involves

stress

and weakness,

but also

binding

together

finding

the better.

A new year

8 days after

the birth

of baby 

Jesus

was always

of  curious

significance

to me.

Historically,

it would 

have been

the day 

of his

circumcision

according to 

the ancient

tradition.

I’m not sure

this matters

to a world

now in tatters,

but new life

requires

more than

existence.

The insistence

on  covenant

is a  human

requirement

not just testament

old and new.

In lieu

of Jesus’

bris,

we have this

ultimate

social

celebration-

a congregation

of everyone

having fun.

It’s tradition!

So make

your

resolution

at the conclusion

of 2025.

Next year

could be

any possibility

but will 

absolutely be

much better

together.

Happy New Year!