It happened that a fire broke out backstage in a theater. The clown came

out to inform the public. They thought it was a jest and applauded.

He repeated his warning. They shouted even louder.

So I think the world will come to an end amid the general applause

from all the wits who believe that it is a joke.

Søren Kierkegaard

At some point during the Christmas season it comes to me, this picture of a clown with a serious message, a crowd that cannot recognize the truth of his words and the tragic consequences that ensue. This time of year especially, when consumerism and cultural hypocrisy are at their most evident, it seems we all have trouble hearing the message above the din.

It doesn’t have to be this way. There is a new year coming, with real opportunities for change, both societal and personal. It starts with each of us, I think. And it will come in ways that are different for each of us. In this sense, “change” is a verb, not a noun. It is active, not passive. It is not something that happens, it is something that is done. I’m pretty sure about that.