Back In the Saddle Again

I cannot imagine a more perfect Christmas and New Year. Surrounded by the love of family and friends, the holiness of the occasion was palpable. For the first time in nearly a decade I find myself actually hopeful for the future. The trash at the White House needs to be taken out, a chore for which President-elect Obama is perfectly suited. Yes, the global economy is in bad shape, and those with a penchant for proving their superiority continue to oppress others at the cost of genuine peace, but I sense something new in the air. I have no problem equating the Christ with enlightenment, and a dawning consciousness for humankind of our unity and interdependence may well give new credence to the hope for peace on Earth and goodwill toward all. Perhaps 2009 will be the year that the schoolyard bullies are given a time out—maybe even detention—as the enlightened children of God celebrate the birth of Christ into our world.