In 1971, the rock band, The Who, released a recording of the song, “We Won’t Get Fooled again” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODKZGBrAtxY. Written by Pete Townsend, it was a cynical look at both power and revolution. Many of my generation misunderstood the song’s meaning. They thought that by adopting catchy slogans such as, “Question Authority” or aligning with “radical” political groups, they would bring about a better, more “just” world and not get fooled again. The sad thing is that nearly all of the problems that were besetting the world back then in ‘71, still are. And, more so. Townsend knew, I believe, that looking toward Power and Revolution as answers to what is wrong in the world is…futile and that by doing so we would get fooled again and again. Boy, was he right.
Here we are, half a century later (I shake my head as a write this!) and we are continually disappointed. Politicians of every stripe have shown themselves less as true leaders than opportunists. Too many to count “religious leaders” have fallen from grace, leaving many of us shaken and bewildered. Neighbors have grown fearful, suspicious and angry with one another. Why?
“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4
2020 started out with so much promise and optimism. And then, in the blink of an eye, it started to unravel. Maybe our current unrest is all – or mostly – contrived. Maybe there are powers or forces that want to cause disruption and fear. Maybe there is a plan to have us turn against one another. Maybe.
“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'” Revelation 1:17
I’ve been giving a lot of thought as to what can be done about what’s going on out there. Organize a protest? I don’t think so. Join a protest? Ah, NO! Write to some “Elected Official” and tell them just what I think? Just the mere thought makes me laugh. After probably burning out more than a few brain cells (and having none to spare, believe me) I figured it out: There Is Nothing I Can Do About What’s Going On Out There. But, there is something I can do about what’s going on in here – within me.
“Immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'” Mark 6:50
It is Advent. We await. We anticipate: Not with Fear, but Hope. With Joy.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
This Christmas, the first in our new home here in Staunton, Virginia, we have set up several outside decorations. One of them is something that I have wanted for a long time, but never had the space to do it: a manger scene. One that I have admired and been touched by for its simplicity is a silhouette of The Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and The Infant Jesus lying in His crib.
Ours is set up in the front yard. It is constructed of heavy white plastic. Although it is front and center, during the daytime, with a bright sun and a still dirt-filled front yard, it can be less noticed.
But, at night, when everything is darkest, a simple solar light shines on the crib. And there He is: The Baby Jesus. He is there during the day, of course, right in front of me. But, as I said, sometimes He’s hard to see. Do I just naturally see Baby Jesus during the darkest hours? Or, should I just look harder during the day? Maybe.
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27
How will you find the Baby Jesus this Christmas?
southern redeux 
hello…
may the seasons blessings be with you & yours..
.
you now i keep coming back to this, i was born and raised a christian as was my children & as is their children but in this strange world we are surviving in, to know that a faith is just that, faith that comes when the darkest days are outshone by faith…
my favourite piece is footsteps –
The Footprints Prayer
One night I had a dream…
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord…. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints…
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life this really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it…
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints….
I don’t understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me…
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering…
When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you…
may God bless you and yours and lets celebrate our Lords day with quiet reflection…
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Amen!
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Hi Bill, you have a way with the pen that reaches deep and touches many. I have been listening on you tube to a Minister from Mississippi (First Harvest Ministries) that I really enjoy very much as his message is always uplifting and from the heart. I would like to share with you a link to one of his most recent videos. Love, joy and peace to you and your family during this Holiday Season.
Kery
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Great post, and lovely pictures. Congratulations on getting all set up in your new home!
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Thank you, Melissa. It is home.
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Thank you!
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Thank you, Ron. You know, for some reason, I sense that this Christmas is going to be different, in a good way, than those of the recent past. Maybe it’s because many of us have had the time and need to think about what most matters. Having less distractions ( as long as that darned t.v. was kept off!) has helped, too. Incidentally, look to the sky December, 21. Not since the year 1226 has The Christmas Star appeared. Be Happy.
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Merry Christmas!
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I really enjoyed your article. This is one I will go back to from time to time. Thank you Bill.
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Glad you liked it, Cathy. I truly hope that especially at Christmas that more people will put their Faith and trust in The Baby Jesus and not be so afraid.
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Your blog post is the first thing I saw this morning. After reading, my heart is infinitely more optimistic and hopeful. Love your simplistic manger. It’s gonna be alright with Jesus by my side. Thanks for the timely reminder. (My favorite Pete Townsend tune? Let my love open the door)…
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Thanks, Neese. For some reason, especially this year, approaching Jesus in the persona of the Child seems …simpler. By putting our trust in Jesus we will never be “Fooled Again”.
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