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I write without knowing whether or not anyone wants to read what I have written. I teach without knowing whether or not anyone wants to hear what I have to say. Such is “content creation” in the 21c during a pandemic. When we are able to assemble for worship I at least have the idea that the people who attend have decided that they won’t likely hate it. Or, perhaps they just want to see Mrs. Beckman.

During this long, long year I have added online lessons, regular Bible readings and this blog. I’ve been sporadic. I do not work spontaneously. Without planning, structure, systems, process I will lose my way. I have and I hope to do better in 2021. 

I have a blog plan for the new year. Broadly speaking throughout each month I will have 4 foci:

1. Preaching Processes.

2. Work Processes.

3. Basic Bible Lessons.

4. A Monthly reading report.

This, you may find boring. I’m trying to offer a something for a broad audience, as well as dipping into my favorite areas of inquiry. I hope that you will join me in 2021 as we all try and regain focus and get back to work.

One more thing. It is 22 December. Christmas is days away. My Advent preaching has been organized around the hymn/poem In the Bleak Midwinter. Today it is not too bleak here in Southeastern IL. It’s 42 degrees out with a bright sunny sky. The forecast for Christmas Day? Low of 10, high of 22. Circumstances change. When I go home for lunch I will wear my hat and scarf and dispense with my overcoat. Yesterday I had a thousand interruptions, not as many today. Life is fungible. You can either roll with the punches or get run over. Yes, this Christmas is bleaker than some, but the cross still towers over the cradle and the grave is still open. Get your chin up, cinch up your adult pants and let’s do some good in the next year.