The day of new life and gift giving has arrived. If there has been no time until now, it is a perfect time to grap at least a few minutes to reflect on what Christmas truly is before it vanishes into a haze of flying wrapping paper, cookies and yet more over indulgent eating.
Last night, Mass at the friary was charming, holy, and filled with every good aspect of what Christmas is. As I sat in chapel preparing myself for this Holy day service, I watched the church cat walk around an greet the worshipers. My meditation was drawn to my own life and the gifts I hav been bestowed with. This be a Franciscan Friary and what with the lovely Kitty on my lap, The gft of our own cat George came to mind. So the litany of gifts begins.
The gift of George
The gift of being able to appreciate the variety of life that God has created.
The gift of the man sitting next to me, my husband.
The gift of marriage equality.
The gift of nature and the presence of balsam and the fragrance that fills your soul.
The procession has begun and as the Monks slowly into the chapel, my mind continues to enter into a deeper and more formal appreciation and celebration of Christmas Day, arrived anew.
The gift of the Christ child.
The gift of new life.
The gift of God coming to us as a human.
The gift of prayers answered.
The gift of saying yes to who you are and living it to the full.
The gift of prophets and priests of which are, one and all.
The gift of community and fellowship.
The gift of being totally human, heart, mind and sexuality, all good.
The gift of time in which to learn, grow and love.
The gift of hope which the Christ child brings.
The joy of Christmas has arrived with countless gifts for us to acknowledge and unwrap. It may take a lifetime to open some or simply to appreciate what we have been given. We need to appreciate who we are, that is a gift of such enormity it certainly will take our whole life to unwrap.
Merry Christmas, go unwrap your presents. Kiss and Hug the Christ child who loves you, who is as vulnerable as you and who appreciates all you are.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
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