Roy’s Sunday Letter for December 22, 2024

REFLECTIONS – CHRISTMAS 2024

Most of us live days somewhere between the inspiring restoration of the Norte Dame Cathedral and the heritage story of the birth of a child, a humble manger in a faraway village, pilgrim parents, and travel weary shepherds.

In the midst of the annual seasonal blur, we each have an opportunity to be the true Light of Hope, meant to shine forth in the darkness of our now, to light the path for others in the same way someone first made bright a path for you with their own Light of Hope.

Over time my Light, your Light may dim, its brightness becoming weaker.

If so, check your life batteries, change the worn out and tired for fresh and renewed sources of energy, whether walking paths and exercise, connecting with a trusted friend either near or far, or setting aside you’re never-ending energy lists of draining tasks. Remember to clean your windshield and glasses of the build-up of smudges of daily life.

May your Light, for the for the world shine brightly, chase away shadows and darkness, allowing your eyes and your heart to accept shepherds, young parents, a faraway village, and the Hope for us all in the days and events to come from the birth of a child.

Roy, days between the inspiring and the humble

19 Comments

  1. Paul Warren on December 22, 2024 at 7:20 am

    This is a beautiful Christmas reflection, Roy! May this coming year find you shining bright with the hope you communicate to all you encounter..

  2. Nancy on December 22, 2024 at 7:21 am

    Can you make your font a little larger for us seniors?
    Blessings to you this season of joy.

    • Roy Bowen on December 22, 2024 at 10:43 am

      I am a passenger of WordPress and their standards. I will look today about one more overcoming.
      And, I check font size and darkness of print of any library book first.
      RB

  3. Maurine Wood on December 22, 2024 at 7:51 am

    This is a perfect way to ring in Christmas and the New Year. Your writings are such an inspiration to me. Love you and Beth.

    • Roy Bowen on December 22, 2024 at 10:41 am

      I have an excellent and trusted editor.
      I write best from passion, not from head although always searching for understanding and connections.
      Thank you for encouraging comments….as you do so with so many though UCC.
      RB

  4. John Mead on December 22, 2024 at 11:49 am

    Merry Christmas! It is a blessing to have you as a neighbor. I enjoy your weekly visit. Thank you and Beth. Have a wonderful New Year.

    • Roy Bowen on December 22, 2024 at 12:52 pm

      Friend John…..Your comments always welcomed and appreciated.
      We learn together.

      Porch time any time best for you……..Roy

  5. Roger Gullickson on December 22, 2024 at 12:19 pm

    You made my day, Roy! Holiday blessings to you and Beth.

    • Roy Bowen on December 22, 2024 at 12:47 pm

      Our days are taped together by our lives and ongoing friendships………RB

  6. MIKE DAVIS on December 22, 2024 at 2:02 pm

    very eloquent Roy. you are letting your soul shine! Merry Christmas to SL family. md

    • Roy Bowen on December 22, 2024 at 3:57 pm

      I had fun with this one. May do another Ry 1eflection for January 1
      Thanks for encouragement
      Take care of shoulder….healing continues
      RB

  7. Marcia Swain on December 22, 2024 at 8:01 pm

    Let there be peace on earth
    And let it begin with me …

    Thank you, Roy and Beth, for encouraging living, soulful contemplation at this Christmastime.

    Love to all.

    • Roy Bowen on December 23, 2024 at 11:13 am

      You are hero to we both.
      We both have made decisions/shifts and more to come in 2025.
      Courage will be required.
      Thoughts of you both, and cats nearby.
      You and I will always be connected and I am blessed to be so…….RB

  8. Jerry Nanna on December 22, 2024 at 8:26 pm

    Holiday Greetings,

    Roy – such a charming, relevant and inspiring message – and thank you and your bride for sharing your weekly reflections.

    Blessings and Peace ,
    Jerry

    P.S. todays NYT – David Brooks editorial is worth checking out.

    • Roy Bowen on December 23, 2024 at 11:08 am

      David Brooks I will find….wisdom and insight always.
      Reflection writing new for me. Not thinking but writing out on paper or screen.
      This Sunday a Reflection on 2024 ending and 2025 staring in my windshield.
      Trinity men important, essential, valued.
      Each missed at 8am on a Thursday morning.
      I am writing this Sunday about ending 2024 and now staring into 2025.
      We will remain connected and that is good and well for us both…..RB

  9. Jean Christenberry on December 23, 2024 at 9:25 am

    Merry Christmas Roy and Beth! Thank you for being such warm and shining lights in our world!! Wishing you peace and renewal during this holiday season. Hugs!

    • Roy Bowen on December 23, 2024 at 10:57 am

      Jean, you are indeed a CEO, friend, lifelong learner
      In April 5 yrs since our first hello
      Whatever we do we do together, each teaching the other
      2025 will present new, different challenges.
      Experienced wisdom required.
      Blessings your way…..RB

  10. Linda Milanesi on December 23, 2024 at 10:51 pm

    Forgive this extraordinary late response. You are centered and fierce. You are right on and kind. You are out of this stratosphere leading forward to a kinder more present world. In gratitude and love. LM

    • Roy Bowen on December 24, 2024 at 9:41 am

      Like Joseph and Mary I am but a pilgrim on the path, as are we all.
      Your encouragement, along with others, pushes me to continue on.
      I thought of your village of horses, 4 legged ones in kitchen bed and sofa, and friends for good food and travel.
      Grateful foy in our life……..

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