"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)
My friend Bill Deery posted something beautiful about John Lennon's song, "So This is Christmas" online this morning. I added a comment about how much I love that song. It's been a weird year and it's a weird Christmas. In eastern Massachusetts we're getting heavy rain and some high winds, and the temperature is 61 outside! I know some people wonder why I have posted very few blog posts this year and why when people comment on my posts I seldom respond. Well, I almost never have access to a desktop computer or even a laptop or tablet - long story. I used to write my blog posts at the public library, and when Covid-19 hit, that was the end of that!
I'm writing at my son's small apartment in Framingham. My daughter Rachel and my wife Mary Ann are visiting our other daughter Amy and family in Springfield, Missouri. Yes, before they return, they will have to be tested for Covid-19. I'm just relaxing right now. Jon arranged for me to get a very cool present. It's a personalized video from actor Terry O'Quinn (who played "John Locke" on "Lost" on ABC back in the early part of this century). I posted the link on my Facebook page and I hope many of you will be able to see it.
There's so much I want to say here, but I also want to be very brief. I always say about my father and about my first boss in ministry (Dave Milley) that each of those guys were "complicated". They were! At sixty-six I'm realizing that's a word I need to apply to myself as well: complicated. Many people think they know and understand Bob Baril very well. I'd say in reality, there are probably no more than ten people, if that, who really know and understand Bob Baril. To use a word that Bill Shaw from my past used to say about himself, I am an "enigma"! I'm so glad the Lord loves me and understands me!
All the hate and division this year has really saddened me. I know some of you will think that because I can be very public about my opinions, such as that I voted for Donald Trump and I'm a conservative Republican, that I'm part of the problem. I try to be a "bridge builder" but one person told me this year I'm really not a 'bridge builder" because of my disdain for people on the far left. That stung. And I thought about that. I have friends who "Unfriend" people and stop talking to friends and relatives constantly! I don't do that! I want to have relationships with people and not always be talking about politics and philosophy. I want to affirm what is positive in family and friends even if there are areas in which we disagree strongly. I fear some will never understand that, or me, but at least from my point of view, I'm trying.
At sixty-six I am aware that I could always die of a sudden heart attack or other medical issue. My parents did not make it out of their seventies. I realize I may only be around for a few more years. If I should pass away, I want to be seen as a guy who tried to affirm and appreciate others, and who tried to make a positive difference in life. A guy who was an unapologetic born-again Christian and Pentecostal. A guy who had strong convictions mostly on the political right. But a guy who could also share encouraging words to those who agree with him and to those who disagree with him; a guy who was mostly a pleasure to know and not mostly a jerk.
And with that I will stop and say, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"!
