Reflections on a Year Soon to End

Mostly everyone I have talked to over the past few days has made a similar remark: 2009 seems to have gone by fast. Starting with the seating of a new president in January through the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler months later to the halting of much of the financial bloodletting by the fall months, a lot took place this year.

But it seemed to move at lightning speed, at least that is what some people have told me.

2010 is upon us and I have just one question to ask: how will you pronounce the new year? I’ve been mulling this for a few years now and am inclined to say “twenty-ten” instead of “two thousand and ten.” Twenty ten is short, to the point, and returns us to the pronunciation style we favored in the 20th century.

Still, I am hearing most newscasters and everyday folks pronounce the latter, therefore I am presuming that the lengthier, more cumbersome five syllable utterance will beat out the three syllable vocalization, at least initially.

I trust that your holiday season has been a good one, though it certainly has been trying one for several people. Just yesterday I talked with a friend who lost his job in May, who commented how much different the job search was for him this time around. As an engineer, he was used to losing his job from time to time only to regain a new one almost immediately, but nothing quite matched his experience in 2009.

Instead of receiving replies from companies about his job inquiries, he heard absolutely nothing. This went on for months until, finally, in November one query returned a contract opportunity which may last him until June.

I say “may last him” as we both know that contract gigs can be canceled at any time. He believes the job will be around for most of that time, but he is not relying on that happening. Instead, he will be launching his new business in the weeks ahead and joining the growing numbers of people who were downsized at the height of their careers and have decided to make a go of it on their own.

Anyway, what choice do most people have? It is not as if there are many jobs out there. At least good paying ones at that.

I am not about to harp on 2009 as the past is just that: gone. Like my friend who is launching his new business, I’ve decided to keep my eyes focused on what lies ahead. We have both entrusted our businesses into the capable hands of Almighty God, knowing that His guidance is more than sufficient for 2010 and beyond.

This will be my last post on Matt’s Musings for 2009, with a forward looking tips article to be posted here on New Year’s Day. Many thanks to each of my readers as your loyalty has helped sustain me through much of the past year.

Photo Credit:  Billy Alexander

Christmas Greetings to One and All!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Prophecy of the Coming Savior

Isaiah 9:6, 7 –

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy

Luke 2:1-20 –

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Photo Credit: Mommyof9