On this New Year’s Day, as on all festive occasions, there is always the danger of missing the celebration’s real significance. Like a man named John Cunningham did, for example, on his wedding day. The marriage ceremony had ended. John and his bride had just been pronounced “man and wife.” The officiating clergyman congratulated the couple and reminded John that it was now fitting and proper for him to kiss “Mrs. Cunningham.” Whereupon, John moved from his bride’s side over to the front pew, and proceeded to kiss his mother.
The real significance of this day is not realized merely by fulfilling a social obligation to wish others a “Happy New Year.” A man once said, “I can no longer wish people a ‘Happy New Year’ when I think of what it is that makes them happy.” Although the statement may sound a bit too cynical, nevertheless it gives us a clue to the day’s real significance: a day for serious reflection on our…
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