Merry Christmas!
Isaiah declares:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light and those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them a great light has shined. 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.
After Jesus died, his followers tried to figure out the meaning of his life and ministry. They searched the scriptures they had, our Old Testament, to find legitimacy for what they had experienced. This reading from Isaiah is one example of what Jesus followers found to support and give meaning to their experience. And more important, these scriptures comforted followers as they moved forward into an uncertain future.
We are no different today. In looking for a new/used car, we chat with friends, consult a Lemon Aid Guide, and read reviews. Teachers get students to do research, find supporting documentation, and quote sources. Before buying books or products, or going to movies, we can read endless web sites giving reviews. News items give credibility through interviews of people on location, people in the know, and people on the street. Whatever our experiences, we want to ground them in reality and in affirmation from others, whether valued friends or experts.
Whether ancient Palestine, or modern-day Toronto, we want to give meaning to our experiences and ground them in educated opinions of other people, credible documentation, and multiple sources, preferably scientific. In therapeutic terms, we call this “normalizing.” And, along with normalizing our experiences, we also want a sense of how to move into a future that is unknown and perhaps uncertain.
As we approach yet another Christmas Day, we can join with peoples of many faiths today and peoples of multiple spiritualities throughout history in giving thanks for a rebirth of Jesus in our hearts. Such rebirth reminds us that light is brighter in darkness, hope is clearer in despair, and desire for “endless peace” is shared throughout the world.
In this season of merriment, let us rest assured that God blesses each and every one of us. Let us feast, celebrate, love, and laugh, for God wishes joy for all creation.
Blessings, Abigail
Help needed! On Sunday Jan 1st 2012, our custodian Mike will be on holiday and so if you are able to come and help set-up chairs at 10.00 am that would be great.
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