Look Out! Here Comes 2024
Another year (almost) in the history books...
You know it’s been a weird and difficult year when you compare 2023 to 2020…and you have to stop and decide which was worse. I mean, it would seem that the utter nightmare of Pandemania would easily beat whatever this past 12 months trotted out, right? But somehow here we are (here I am, anyway), really eager to put ‘23 to bed and welcome New Year 2024.
Speaking of the pandemic, here’s a meditation I wrote for church three years ago, reminding readers (again, myself primarily) not to leave the meaning of Christmas behind as soon as it’s over. I really love “Welcome to Our World,” the sweet song that I used to accompany the piece—give it a listen!
Sunday, December 27, 2020
The Day After the Day After Christmas
By Elise Seyfried
Scripture:
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth...” –John 1:14
Meditation:
My grandsons Aiden and Peter love a children’s book called The Night Before The Night Before Christmas. With adorable Richard Scarry illustrations, it is a fun read in the run up to the Big Night. But after the holidays, the boys’ interest in that book wanes sharply. After all, Christmas is over.
Indeed, we are most attentive to the story of Jesus’ coming—right up until about now, when we shelve it in our brain’s filing cabinet until same time, next year.
But today is the day after the day after Christmas, and attention must still be paid.
The baby in the manger is only the beginning of the world’s greatest story. It’s like turning away from an infant just because he is no longer a newborn—who would do that? We revel in each milestone—the first smile, the first step, the first word. Precious as that brand-new one is, we wouldn’t dream of wishing the next part of his life away.
Jesus didn’t stay in the stable. He lived among us—you and me. So on this December 27th, let’s remember that Jesus’ story didn't end after Christmas, and it still isn’t over—it continues to this day and far, far beyond. And we have seen his glory, full of grace and truth. Thanks be to God.
Prayer:
Tiny Savior, Welcome to our world, our tumultuous and imperfect and beautiful world. Please make yourself at home. Amen
NOSTALGIA TIME: We’re still Celebrating Christmas (but the concert days are over)
For 11 years (2004-2014) the Seyfrieds organized an annual “Celebrating Christmas” concert at church. It was always a fundraiser, usually for the summer mission trip, and while the “headliners” were Sheridan, Evan, Rose, and Patrick, they were often accompanied by other musical friends and family members.
The concerts were relaxed (they needed to be, as the performers often had their one and only rehearsal mere hours before showtime), fun and very eclectic. There was the year Rose composed “chrystmas synthesis” and played it on—yes—a synthesizer. The year Mac Carlson presented his fun original tune “Rapping for Your Christmas Presents.” The year Steve played guitar and sang “Christmas at the Airport.” The concerts always ended with the whole ensemble performing “Auld Lang Syne,” and darned if I didn’t cry every single time.
I loved these events because they were always great excuses to gather my kids together to make music. Realistically I knew they couldn’t continue forever, but I was still very sad when they ended.
Maybe Aiden and Peter will pick up the torch someday (or the piano, clarinet or violin).
If not, we’ll always have our sweet musical memories of auld lang syne…
"Auld Lang Syne" from "It's a Wonderful Life"
And now, my nod to those inevitable, insufferable, public broadcasting pledge drives…
COMEDY: BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR DESTITUTE LITTLE NPR STATION! PLEASE!
BLOG PREVIEW: Rose moved into a new Brooklyn apartment recently, and has launched a cool little art/decorating project. She challenged lots of us to send her five-word responses to the prompt: “Always Remember:__________________.” What did I write? The answer can be found tomorrow over at Working Title !
FINAL INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE YEAR!
Thank you all for adding joy to my book of life this year!! Wishing each of you a bestseller of a new year!!