Last week Jim and I watched the Disney version of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” with Jim Carey playing Scrooge and all three Christmas Spirits. I must have seen it at least a dozen times over the years but this time I noticed something new. As the scene played on, the Spirit of Christmas Present ages right before our eyes. He begins the scene as a loud, robust, and large man. And at the end he is a withering, weak, and grey man. If this is mean to depict how the year ends… I imagine the Spirit of Christmas Present for 2021 is already dead and has been buried for some time. This has been a rough year to say the least!
 
I’ve heard of an old Irish tradition that takes place on New Year’s Eve… at the stroke of midnight, open the front door of the house to let the old year out and the new year in! I saw someone on Facebook recommend opening all the doors, the windows, AND the garage door to let this year out. I have to agree!
 
As we enter 2022 my prayer for all of us is to experience God in fresh and new ways. I pray we will continue to listen for God’s voice leading us as we continue God’s work at Peace Lutheran.
 
Jim and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year!