Many of us grew up watching the Beverly Hillbillies. The wildly popular series ran for nine seasons beginning in 1962. Millions have seen it in reruns since the series ended in 1971. 

The Beverly Hillbillies centered around a man named Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen. Jed was a poor, uneducated hillbilly from the hills of the Ozarks. The song tells us that Jed could barely keep enough food on the table for his family. Jed discovered oil (black gold, Texas tea as the song said) on his land and became a very wealthy man. His family and friends told Jed that he belonged in California where rich people live.  Jed loaded up his family and moved to Beverly Hills. For nine years we watched the story ‘bout a man named Jed.

Let me tell you another story about a man named Jed – well, about Buddy Ebsen who played Jed.

Buddy Ebsen was an actor trying to make his way in 1945. Like others, Ebsen was trying to find his way after World War II, which had interrupted his career. It was a snowy, cold December 31 night. Ebsen was finishing rehearsals for a play in which he was a cast member. It was 11:30 at night, and his wife waited for him by the door.

As the Ebsens began trudging through the snow and the chilly wind, Ebsen felt the churning of the aftermath of war, and wasn’t ready to go home. Buddy said to his wife, “Let’s not go home yet. Let’s get a bite to eat.”  They made their way to a diner only to find the door locked, but there were many people inside. The Ebsens were disappointed. Buddy Ebsen decided to knock on the door, and the owner whose name was Al Green opened the door and invited Buddy and Nancy Ebsen to join their staff party ringing in the new year.

There was much laughter, music, and fun going on at the party, but suddenly a total hush fell over the room just a couple of minutes before midnight. The Ebsens had expected a loud shout of celebration when the clock struck midnight welcoming the new year. Instead, there was total silence.

At midnight the owner of the restaurant Al Green stood in the center of the room as others sat at tables or lined the walls. Someone whispered to Buddy Ebsen, “It’s a tradition he does every year.”  

Al Green began to sing unaccompanied in a rich baritone voice. Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name he sang. Ebsen was transfixed to hear the normally rough-looking New Yorker singing a melody to the Creator of the universe.

Ebsen bowed his head, as Al Green sang every word of the Lord’s Prayer. Al’s voice rose powerfully; his words rang with conviction; and then, as the last firm note drifted away, Al lowered his head and sang the last word as a benediction:

Amen.

Buddy Ebsen then lifted his tear-stained face, looked at his wife and said, “Never let me lose faith in God, myself or others.”  After years of discouragement from war and demanding times, Ebsen’s attention was brought back to the God who is over all.

According to Ebsen, “When it was time for us to leave, Nancy and I put on our coats, and amid hearty good wishes from those at the restaurant we walked out to the street. The snow had stopped. Everything was still frosted with a neon iridescence. Tall buildings soared above us like church spires. The stars were like tiny sapphires winking in the deep blue.”

“Happy New Year,” I said to my wife.

“Yes, Happy New Year!” she said in reply as we stepped out confidently into a new year and and a new world and a new beginning.

Many of us experienced gut-wrenching times in 2024. As a nation we experienced one of the most bitter, divisive elections in the history of the United States. We have continued to watch conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other nations. Grocery prices soared, putting many in a place of hardship. Gaylon and I, like many of you, saw the deaths of several loved ones. The year 2024 brought difficulty to many. Perhaps your spirit is even heavy.

As we enter 2025, may I suggest that you consider listening to the Lord’s prayer being sung and meditate on that. Yes, do the celebration and the hugs that a new year usually brings, but how about considering starting the New Year remembering “Our Father” who sits on His throne in heaven. For at least the first month of the year, would you read, memorize, and recite the Lord’s prayer every day? I actually plan to say it every day through 2025, starting my day, reminding myself of the One who will be walking with me.

Like Nancy Ebsen, I say to all of you, “Happy New Year!”  Let us step out confidently into a new year and a new world and a new beginning with Our Father at center. Amen.

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” Amen. Matthew 6:9-13