a weblog by matt place
Only the most determined patches of snow remain as I pack my bag to head north. A few days of work separate me from NYE and my birthday, but the celebrations ended with Christmas; I’m working and sleeping the new year in.
I hope everyone is enjoying the festive holidays.
The Candle-lit carol service alongside friends and family that I rarely get to see these days is when it usually kicks in. That feeling that Christmas is actually happening and you are not surrounded by some staged festive hysteria. Growing up, however, takes the edge off Christmas; getting less excited doesn’t mean that I appreciate it less. The realities have space to sink in where once I was preoccupied on all the stuff I may or may not be getting. It is good to see old friends and spend time with the family; it is good to give not just receive.
I found it difficult to sing along last night. Usually we guys at the back have a jolly affair with our somewhat comically enthusiastic singing. Though as we sang of little towns and silent nights I couldn’t shake the images of war and poverty. The poetry of some of the lyrics conjured up symbolic pictures along the lines of missiles instead of angels soaring through the skies. I didn’t know where to go with these thoughts. It is too easy to forget what happens elsewhere in the world and it is too easy to blame God. Where as Jesus may have already saved us from the price of sin, we are still being saved from its power until the day we are completely saved from its presence. And before this turns into a regurgitated preach I’ll end.
Merry Christmas. Peace on Earth.