Today I went to my first carol service which is pretty good going considering carol services down this way started at the end of November and it's now the 10th December! Anyway, it was a lovely one. It was a children's carol service. One of the little girls sang as a solo Away in a manger no bed for the crib - bless her and she sang it so well - no hesitation. Well if you're gonna get something wrong, you might as well do it confidently! Last year Mary got stage fright and locked herself in the toilet! They had to quickly find a substitute Mary - who incidently did very well all things considering!
Now my next comments are not in anyway related to what I've experienced at the carol service today but just some random thoughts I've recently had. It's funny how every year it's expected that the children will do the nativity in all the carol services and it is lovely but I also keep thinking about a line in a poem called If which says this: "if you give your worship and people think it entertainment then you're a child". I wonder, do we have the children doing the nativity because it really add to our worship or is it because they are just entertaining us and it's a token way of involving them. When we laugh because they make mistakes, forget their words, sing louder and more out of tune than the others, start to undress, have a fight over the cuddly sheep, wave at someone they know in the audience etc... how are we making the kids feel about what they have prepared to give to worship? This is the greatest story ever told yet we wanna see how cute and funny it can be. It's certainly something I'm challenged about now. Having said that, Jesus told us to be more like children - in their simplicity and authenticity. Therefore, when they make mistakes, forget their words, sing louder and more out of tune than the others, start to undress, have a fight over the cuddly sheep, wave at someone they know in the audience etc... in the middle of the nativity - I guess we should be happy because they are being just as God wants them and made them to be.
Am off to Denmark for the week with my family early Tuesday morning but am travelling to Chelmsford after work tomorrow so that we're nearer the airport. Hopefully, I'll get there in time tomorrow to catch up with my dear friend Rach and Christina and Julia and have a bite to eat at the Foxy Loxy - one of our favourite eating establishments (mmmnnn Hunter's Chicken!). Suz is also up there at the moment looking after her dad - Geoffrey - who is back in hospital. Geoff has a rare disease that affects the muscles - a bit like MS but it gets better, but very slowly. Geoff has had this now for 3 years and has remained so unbelievably optimistic about his situation in all that time. He has been such an inspiration to everyone who knows him and has been to see him but I think it's all getting a bit to him now - which is perfectly understandable. So whoever's reading this blog - can I ask you to pray for him and Suz as she supports him. Life has not been easy for them both and they're not the sort of people to make that a big thing. Every trial they have faced they have dealt with so positively and so strongly. God has been their support and strength in those times. I know that he doesn't give us anymore that we can handle and gives us all the resources we need to deal with each situation but seriously now - enough is enough! This is one of those occasions where we don't know the answers and are dealing with the loose ends often involved in following God's will. I just pray and would ask you to pray that God will continue to comfort and give both Geoff and Suz his peace and strength right now. At the beginning of this illness, Geoff really struggled with the step into my block of flats - it's his nemesis. When he conquers his nemesis - there will great celebrations on that final day! I thank God for them and the massive love and support they have given me. God bless 'em and God bless you all!
laters
cx
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