Daniel Imwalle

Sometimes, a person might seem to want to ask what the ashes on your forehead mean, but are too shy or don’t want to offend you by asking.

I have a tradition of listening to the U2 song “New Year’s Day” at some point on January 1. I realize the song may have more to do with social and political commentary, but there is something about it that always seems to resonate with me.

Think of a gift you can give someone that is not a physical product with a receipt and return policy. Could it be a hug? A kind word? A beautiful memory shared? These are the kinds of gifts that truly reflect the meaning of Christmas.

In today’s Gospel reading from Luke (21:25), Jesus tells his disciples about the coming of the Son of Man in some rather chilling terms: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.”