Many do not realize that in the Christian year, Christmas is not just a day but a 12-day "season" where we remember with thanksgiving the incarnate God with us. Matthew's story of the magi making about a 12-day journey to see this God-become-baby underscores this tradition. The Christian season "ends" 12 days after Christmas with their arrival at the manger on what we call "Epiphany" (January 6) which means "unveiling." This is also six days into what some make as New Year's resolutions. It occurs to me that we could combine the two traditions with 12 resolutions. Here are some suggestions; you will have more:

  1. I resolve to spend at least 15 minutes each morning in quiet (no phone), contemplating God's love for me and the whole creation and thanking Christ for that.

  2. I resolve to thank God each day for FIVE gifts from God in my life.

  3. I resolve to read or listen to something positive and redeeming every day.

  4. I resolve to start my day with a positive word to the first person I talk to and build on that.

  5. I resolve to be mindful of the environment and the one planet I am gifted to live on.

  6. I resolve to be mindful of the environment and the one planet that 8 billion others depend on, too.  

  7. I resolve to worship with my church family–in person–at least once/month unless I am physically unable to do so.

  8. I resolve to study, learn and pray with a small group of Christian in person or virtually this year.

  9. I resolve to serve others with others from my church this year, for this is the way of Christ.

  10. I resolve to put God first in budgeting the money that God gives me to use for God's good purposes.

  11. I resolve to read one good book on becoming a more respectful and civil people again, especially with those with whom I disagree.  

  12. I resolve to spend 30 minutes each day in physical activity that gets me moving to care for this body God gave me; like our planet, it's the only one I have.  

And if you want to be really serious about this, share your list with someone you trust and make a date to meet with them a year from now and ask them, "Can you tell a difference?"

Happy New Year, dear friends, and blessings!