Today's reading left me feeling that the author was glad to reach the end... as if just shy of six weeks had been a bit too long, they were travel weary and frankly just wanted to sit down with a cup of tea and a mince pie... or maybe that's projection on my part!
If you have journeyed with me these 39/40 days (and maybe kept count better than I did!) then THANK YOU for your companionship, and I hope that some of what I've shared has been in some small way of value.
If you are now chillaxing after a busy year, enjoying rest, refreshment and simply 'being' then that's wonderful, and I wish the deep, lasting rest that will strengthen you for fresh challenges in the year ahead.
If you are working hard, finalising services, caring for the sick and dying, working in a job that operates 24/7/365, or rushing round like a mad thing to do the last minute preparations at home, may you find joy and fulfilment in your labours, bringing to life new hope and deeper love.
If Christmas is hard for you, this year, or every year, then I pray you may find some tiny chink of light, some happy memory, some hopeful moment, and that in the darkest, saddest, emptiest low-points, you will recall the love that has held you, and will continue to hold you now and always.
In a few moments, I'll be off out in the freezing fog for the last hospital and care home visits of the year, and later I'll be helping to set up for tomorrow's Christmas Day lunch. A couple of days ago I had a call from social services, and as a result we will welcome a gentleman who would otherwise be alone, and doesn't want to be... my first job of the day has been to book his taxi, and I look forward to welcoming him tomorrow.
The prayer from the book...
Holy, gracious and loving God, you stepped into our world; you became incarnate; your took on our humanity that we might take on your divinity. May I rest this night knowing what the dawn brings, knowing the joy which awaits me. May I rest this night ready to celebrate the glorious bright of Jesus Christ. Amen
Or, in the words of Tiny Tim: God bless us every one!!