The Baptist Times this week reported that people did not have (quote) 'a detailed knowledge of the Nativity', whilst I am sure I know what they mean, I'm not actually too sorry about the fact that people are not growing up thinking that three shepherds brought a lamb and three kings arrived moments later with gold, frankinstein (groan) and myrrh. Maybe there's an opportunity for the church to actually get to grips with what the gospels actually do/don't say about it all. But, if you want a funny video of the nativity then maybe this which, inspired the Churches' Advertising Network 2007 poster, is for you. Enjoy (ht revjev)
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Sunshine and Shadows
Many of my friends, 'real life' and 'virtual world,' are in tough places at the moment. Lots of painful struggles, deep anxieties, bereavements and emotional or spiritual emptiness. This is for them - or you if you are one of them , several of you are - a picture from a card given to me many years ago by Rachel Jenkins, my college tutor at the time, and some words from a Roman Catholic hymn which expresses something of God's eternal presence. Hope they help.
On the thumb-nail image you can't read the words, which say: "Some days we struggle, other days we soar, but there's not a day when are are not held securely in his everlasting arms."I watch the sunrise lightning the skyCasting its shadows near.And on this morning bright though it beI feel those shadows near me.But you are always close to meFollowing all my ways.May I be always close to youFollowing all your ways, Lord.John Glynn'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me, you rod and staff they comfort me"Whatever life is throwing at you at the moment, I pray you know God's deep, enduring shalom.