Thursday 30 December 2010

Christmas

Although I always look forward to Christmas, there was something very special about it this year. Usually we celebrate Jesus' birthday in the company of friends, but this time we kept our rejoicings just to the four of us. This is the third time, since we married 26 - 26!! - years ago, that we have done so. The first time seemed wrong - selfish. It just happened that we spent it on our own that year, but we could probably have done something more sociable.  The second time was when we were almost 'on holiday' - Richard had moved to Guernsey just a couple of months earlier and we had come over for the Christmas holidays. We barely knew anyone on the island, so made Christmas happen in the tiny flat he was renting.

This year, with J and C working away from home, it felt right for the four of us to spend the time together on our own. And our time has been full of blessing.

The blessing of being together again: J home on 22nd December, C on 23rd, both braving the near Arctic conditions in the UK.
The blessing of a cycle ride together on Christmas morning, sun on our faces, wind in our hair, the sea sparkling beside us.
The blessing of a familiar walk.
The blessing of time to relax.
The blessing of candles, Christmas lights, a log fire.
The blessing of games played or films watched - together.
The blessing of a special meal shared.
The blessing of empty cupboards, as mugs and glasses are used up and scattered around the house before they are retrieved for washing up.
The blessing of thoughtfulness, of gifts carefully chosen, of help offered.
Blessing upon blessing.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Words words words fun fun fun!

Having discovered - and been frustrated by - Wordle, now there is Tagxedo.  I LOVE IT!  Just look at this. Wonderful word shapes.

I'm still exploring, but it's VERY exciting.  I've just had a little go with a few words from Isaiah 9. Check it out.

Saturday 18 December 2010

Presents

A friend's son commented recently that he didn't need presents at Christmas. He'd be satisfied with his mother's cinnamon rolls...and yes, they WERE very good.

I tend to agree. Here in the western world, there is little that we give or receive at Christmas which we really NEED - although my presents, both received and given, tend to pass the 'usefulness' test.

Yet there is something wonderful about choosing and giving gifts. It sparks generosity, unleashes creativity and inspires a more loving attitude. More than the gift itself, giving says 'I love you.'

Cinnamon rolls can say that too, of course. Just not in quite the same way.

Friday 17 December 2010

Waiting

This Christmas, I seem to be more prepared than I have been for years. I actually made a Christmas cake - for possibly the third time in my life - a few weeks ago. Safely stored in its tin, it will take only an hour to cover it with marzipan and icing. Today I made mince pies, with pastry so delicious that it literally melted in the mouth.  The tree is up, the house simply decorated, the cards written - only email greetings left, which I will look forward to doing on Monday morning, sitting in front of the fire with a cappuchino to hand. Even the presents are wrapped.

And I am waiting.

I have never had to wait so long, before, for my children to come home for Christmas. It is a whole extra week this time, a long 7 days. Now they have left uni, 'term-time' no longer applies. They come when they can.

And I am not alone.

One friend is desperate to see her 12 year old son, a talented tennis player who attends a specialist academy - in Spain.
Another hasn't seen her 25 year old for almost a year. Newly engaged, he is travelling from Australia with his fiancee.
Several others wait for their children to return from uni, or from jobs. All gathering for Christmas.

Waiting
we long
for the presence of the loved.
A tiny glimpse
into our God's heart
waiting for His children
to come home.

Saturday 4 December 2010

Those Borden Boys!

Here is a link to an awesome little music video featuring Jesse (drums) and Trevor (singer) Borden, Jonny's close friends. I have known them since before they were born, while they were still being prayed for. Their mother, Lisa, has written a beautiful little book on Approaching God in prayer. So talented, this family. Blessed and a blessing.

Advent!

The coming or arrival, especially of something important. Advent.

Yes, a joyous season. Yet there is something especially sombre about it. As I focus ESPECIALLY on that first coming of Jesus, I cannot but help think of my own unworthiness. It is, quite honestly, almost too much. I almost don't get it. Am I worth someone else's life? I don't think so, but Jesus did. Billions of times over. Mind-blowing.

So, as I decorate the house, put up Christmas lights, a tree, add ornaments, bake...I consider my life. I consider how I can live better - because of Jesus. How I can love better - because of Jesus. How I can laugh better - because Advent, leading towards Christmas, is an indescribably joyous time.

And that deserves my laughter.