Transcript for December 27, 2009 By Bob Kleinheksel

We shall continue to foot it – into the depths of winter. Goaded on by lengthening days, we journey side by side; we understand our shared stories and traditions step by step as individuals in community: Connected, linked, in communion, forgetful of our mistakes, beautiful in our uniqueness. Welcome, be at peace – and know the strength in your voice and presence.


For each here brings warm energy, uncommon giftedness, passions to add. And now, in the safety of this place, may we each receive what is needed, looked for and meaningful.

Will we establish a perspective of transcending and including this day, this season? Our stories, conflicts, beliefs? What are our levels of attachment, of openness? Will we mine the treasure-trove of sentiments, assumptions and richness found in stories of old? Will we see them for what they are, confined in time and context –in their elaborations and exaggerations? And will we allow them to comfort in an abiding nostalgia, a deep-seeded recollection of traditions gone by and enduring? Ah, the stories of birth, the stories of Christmas – Christmas in a newly emerging story. Let us be part of its writing, a narrative for us, for all time for all people.

We invite an ease in which to abide in these times. To look upon traditions and tales without cumbersome judgment or patronage. To be as mother justice, blindfolded – to weigh and enjoy without prejudice. And yet, we invite careful and intentional appraisal of what our texts and words say and where they lead. Will we be people of open arms and warm hearts, trending toward including, leaning toward bridge building? Could we be as a statue of liberty, considering all who would come upon our shore and declaring: Everybody is right, everybody is wrong and nobody is to blame? Welcome, get along, assert not your truths upon another, but welcome all truths and be about that which is life-giving for all. For all.

We may be restless with our new poetry, but may it cojoin with all that has been written so that even more truth, more justice, comfort and wonder come about. Let the steel mesh of our minds be softened as to consider what unites, to do away with what divides. And in our discernments, deconstructions and daring, let us not overlook the human good that comes about when we care, when we get beyond ourselves, when we live out peace, when we give of ourselves or a scribbled check. Between coffin and cradle, burial and birth we offer ourselves to the world in service, humility and unique extravagance. May it be a merry Christmas and happy new year, tales of saviors and saints of Jesus and Jews, angels and atheists…the stinking realities of our shared global village; a story still told, an old story, a new story – a drama containing all who have been and on through to the likes of us, giving, receiving, co-creating something new, something fresh in the land of the now.