Of Christingles and Christmas

Merryyyyyyy Christmas everybody! :)))

Yessirree, it really does feel like yesterday that I sat down to write these same words on the blog.

A very different yesterday at that....different hopes, dreams and expectations of who, what and where I'd be by this Christmas. In all honesty I don't think I've moved beyond 5% of the then status quo, and that has a bittersweet feel.... however, self-justification and defense is for New Year's Eves and that's the way it shall remain.

I attended a Christingle service last night..... a lovely time of light-hearted banter, games, sharing and some serious reflection to boot. It amazes me how a campfire always seems to bring out the deeper side of me...if such a thing exists at all :)

For want of time, I'm gonna let you read about the custom of Christingles here...but there's no reason you can't see what it looks like right away..so here's a pic.




But it was during the service that I came across something that seemed to express it all perfectly.... so much that I'm just going to share that with you and hope that it does all the talking....



"We thank you, Spirit of love

Not for perfect lives, perfect bodies,

perfect love or perfect families.



Today, as we reflect on a small, tender baby

unable to care for himself,

born to young, unsure parents in a rude shelter

surrounded by the poor and outcasts

we give thanks for imperfection.



For the times of waiting, of not knowing.

For the times we pondered in our hearts

whether we could do what you asked of us.



It is those times that the Christ-child comes to our hearts

to give us peace and courage,

to give us to know what we should do next.

How we can best care for ourselves,

for one another, and for this fragile world.



As the wind howls and snowflakes dance down,

we give thanks for the knowledge that imperfection

is the ground in which God sows


Miracles



Wholeness



and Growth.



We give thanks aloud and in our hearts for the ways in which we have seen those miracles of love."


May all the gifts of the season be yours, and may you have a wonder-filled Christmas and 2010!!

God bless us everyone....

Love
Zahra


Pic copyright: www.photobucket.com

Have yourself....

Have yourself a whole five minutes of solo time this morning. To realise that it's Christmas time again, and reflect on the past year.To be thankful that you're in one piece and alive to celebrate it. To remember for a moment those who've moved on, and be grateful for the ones who're still around.

Have yourself the thrill that comes from hearing the buzz that pervades the house. Which doesn't happen on any other occasion ever.

Have yourself the luxury of admiring your Christmas tree for a moment. Of thinking that it is the most beautiful tree on the face of the earth despite being smaller than most and thoroughly battered by your growing-up years.

Have yourself the fun of answering calls and happy greetings from friends and family around. Of back slapping cheeriness and hearty "Look-who's-here"s as everybody comes together.

Have yourself a warm, happy feeling in your heart when you step into a church decked up to the nines. When you see the people you know around. When you call out "Merry Christmas!" in all sincerity despite the fact that you're at loggerheads with them the rest of the year.

Have yourself those I-shouldnt-have-had-that-third-appam feelings inspite of having warned yourself not to overdo it this year. And huge servings of biryani later in the day, with little morsels of plum cake in between. And excuse yourself by saying that Christmas comes along just once each year.

Have yourself the joys of singing carols at the top of your voice, despite being tone deaf and having the neighbours beg for mercy. Of knowing that these songs somehow will never lose their charm despite having heard them all your life.

Have yourself that sense of optimism that comes through on Christmas, no matter what may shake the earth and your faith on other days.

Most of all, have yourself a very merry Christmas and lots and lots of fun. And may you have a wonderful 2009 to look forward to.

Have fun, take care and God bless.

Love
Zahra