So, are we all wondering why we ate so much yesterday? The party's over...well, let's hope not, if we had our priorites in order.
The New York Times newspaper published a photographic "year in review" at the end of last week. These photos were powerful, as one might expect, but so many of them portrayed violence, death, sorrow, struggle. In the midst of them all was a picture of a baby born in India on the day earlier in the Fall when the Earth's population was predicted to reach seven billion people. Of course the birth of a child involves struggle, and we could even argue violence. Yet birth can be so hopeful, filled with possibility and joy.
I love the story of Christ's birth, a story I read many times through the weeks leading up to Christmas with individuals, small groups, the congregation. It is ordinary, extraordinary, implausible, believable. It's strange, but being Christmasy means less to me each year, yet the birth of Christ still fills me with wonder.
4 comments:
It certainly is a wonderful story (with everything that implies.)
I hear you on "Christmasy," although this year seems more peaceful than most.
Merry Christmas to the St. Paul's gang.
Was feeling a little less "Christmas-sy" myself this year. Was thinking I must be getting old, but realized it is more than that. Peace seems to cover it, Ian.
Thanks to this community of bloggers. You truly enrich my days.
Thanks always for your leadership, David. You keep us learning and growing. Shalom!
Thanks to the three of you, and to Laurie who responded the day before.
Sometimes I feel that because people have drifted away from the traditions of the season, including of course Christ, they have filled the void with a frenzy of buying and getting.
It is good to be connected with a community which still sees things differently. Christmas morning was a delight for me with what really felt like a family of faith.
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