Finding Shelter in the Bleak Midwinter

 

1 In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,

earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2 Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;

heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign;

in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

the Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.

                                      Voices United 55

I mentioned along the way that Trenton United has been involved in Clash of the Carols just before worship begins during Advent. It gives folks the opportunity to vote for a favourite Christmas carol in an elimination format that's fun, although there are some who take it all fairly seriously. Two weeks ago our almost-12-year-old grandson was shocked that I hadn't chosen O Holy Night over In the Bleak Midwinter. His expression suggested that he was now convinced that dementia had set in. We were pleasantly surprised that he cared about the competition. I appreciate the poetry of Bleak Midwinter even if Jesus likely wasn't born in this season, as well as the tune. O Holy Night is so, well, melodramatic!

This morning it was -20C in these parts, our coldest start to a day since last Winter. I thought of those across this province who were "sleeping rough" last night in homeless encampments and on city vents. There are Warming Centres in a lot of communities now and when we arrive at church today the centre at Trenton UC will have closed for another night. While people can shelter from the cold they are officially not supposed to be places where they sleep or eat -- such a strange concept for an overnight arrangement. Our congregational volunteers do their best to make guests feel welcome. 

                                                 Homeless Jesus sculpture -- Timothy Schmalz

Yesterday Ruth and I did our monthly delivery of baked goods from Cobs Bakery and Metro to Bridge St UC. As we approached the church a fellow was meandering along the street wrapped in a sleeping bag carrying a big bag of worldly possessions. It was cold yesterday as well and as I awakened today I thought of him and others on the street. Earlier this year this stretch was the epicentre of news about drug overdoses in the province and the grim reality of opioid addcition. Intense cold adds the risk of injury or death from exposure. 

Today Rev. Isaac will reflect on these two hymns and I'll certainly continue my prayers for those who have dealt with the bitter weather overnight, In the Bleak Midwinter. 

                                                    In front of Bridge St. UC earlier this year