Musician and computer whiz Donnie Jenkins often gives me insights into important things, and when I had lunch with him recently, he said, "The problem with America these days is disconnection."

"How true," I thought, as I reflected on the state of everything from politics to Christmas. Our politicians have disconnected from the average American and are tuned in to their rich contributors. Those rich contributors have not connected their welfare to the common good. They actually feel no connection to the thought that a growing economy raises all boats, including theirs.

Our politicians have no connection today to the word "bipartisan." It is an alien word to them. If they do not have enough votes in their party to get a bill passed that will solve a national problem and give them and their party all the credit, they let the problem get worse and place all the blame on the other party. That's why so many problems have become intolerable and unmanageable. Nobody seems fully connected to the welfare of the majority of our people.

Any politician who does not deeply connect with the idea that his every decision is to do what brings the most good to the most people is a curse.

We are all floating around in a swamp of indecision, and no leader seems capable of inspiring the people to take hold of the situation and act for the common good.

Maybe it would give us some practice in connecting with the highest ideals of our society to realign our minds and souls with the historical meanings of Christmas. During this Christmas season, there are many who are disconnected from the beautiful truths that created the real magic of Christmas. We speak often and passionately about being a Christian nation, but our celebration of Christmas is thoroughly pagan. And the saddest part is we do not select the best of a true pagan celebration like mining and defining the meanings inherent in the winter solstice. As Christians have strayed from their most sacred thoughts about Christ and the sacred meanings of his entry into human society, our Jewish friends seldom share and explore the beautiful ideas and ideals of Hannukkah.

I was moved to comment on what Christmas means to me recently when I wrote, "I Spell Christmas With a Capital C":

I spell Christmas with a capital C

Christmas isn't Christmas without Christ to me

I love the old new story, the Nativity

I spell Christmas with a capital C

I love the wise men riding from afar

Following a stable's shining star

And the angels who sang for shepherds

Every Christmas sing for me

Yes, I spell Christmas with a capital C

Gifts are so special given in his memory

He's the gift who keeps on giving eternally

The star of Bethlehem sits atop my Christmas tree

I spell Christmas with a capital C

I love presents underneath the tree

And children laughing loud and gleefully

But Jesus puts the "merry" into Christmas Day for me

I spell Christmas with a capital C

c. Happy Doghouse Music (BMI)

Whatever our faith may be, let us seek to connect with the most beautiful and sacred meanings it brings to our hearts and minds this year. Let us have a Christmas of connection.

Email Dalton Roberts at DownhomeP@aol.com.