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Someone I know shared this on social media this morning - it's funny (and very loud, you may want to turn down the volume a bit).
Lots of British trains appear in this - and see if you can spot the cameo appearance from the most famous fictional 'really useful engine' ever.
Yesterday, we joined with churches across Scotland in singing the Advent hymn, 'When out of poverty is born' and, at the request of Chistian Aid Scotland, posting it to social media and other online platforms. The aim is to keep the very real issue of poverty in people's awareness.
We did a sound only recording, and added the above photo (yes we did have a dog!)
I've had problems uploading the audio to social media, so I've posted it here and will link this blog post (if you click on the 'podcast' button below it should play, albeit in a new window!
On Tuesday evening I was reminded of this wonderful poem, and spent my reflection/prayer time with it...
He will come like last leaf's fall.
One night when the November wind
has flayed the trees to the bone, and earth
wakes choking on the mould,
the soft shroud's folding.
He will come like frost.
One morning when the shrinking earth
opens on mist, to find itself
arrested in the net
of alien, sword-set beauty.
He will come like dark.
One evening when the bursting red
December sun draws up the sheet
and penny-masks its eye to yield
the star-snowed fields of sky.
He will come, will come,
will come like crying in the night,
like blood, like breaking,
as the earth writhes to toss him free.
He will come like child.
© Rowan Williams
Isn't this fun! I saw it yesterday when I had to pop over to Paisley for a meeting.
Two pensioners were looking at it, observing how the reindeer each have their own stride. Two young adults were chatting to the security man guarding it. Smiles rose on faces as each new person passed by.
Composed of 'Lego' bricks this is a truly amazing - and fragile - creation. It's sad that it needs to be guarded, but it's wonderful that it brings joy to a somewhat depressed High St on a grey November day.
I guess there's a sermon in there somewhere.
PS I believe there's currently a penguin trail in Paisley, if anyone with small children wants an inexpensive day out!
I learned this song last night - the idea of an 'everyday God' is as mind-blowing as it is simple and grounded...
Earth's creator, Everyday God,
Loving Maker, O Jesus,
You who shaped us, O Spirit,
Recreate us, Come, be with us.
In your presence, Everyday God,
We are gathered, O Jesus,
You have called us, O Spirit,
To restore us, Come, be with us.
Life of all lives, Everyday God,
Love of all loves, O Jesus,
Hope of all hopes, O Spirit,
Light of all lights, Come, be with us.
In our resting, Everyday God,
In our rising, O Jesus,
In our hoping, O Spirit,
In our waiting, Come, be with us.
In our dreaming, Everyday God,
In our daring, O Jesus,
In our searching, O Spirit,
In our sharing, Come, be with us.
God of laughter, Everyday God,
God of sorrow, O Jesus,
Home and shelter, O Spirit,
Strong and patient, Come, be with us.
Way of freedom, Everyday God,
Star of morning, O Jesus,
Timeless healer, O Spirit,
Flame eternal, Come, be with us.
Word of gladness, Everyday God,
Word of mercy, O Jesus,
Word of friendship, O Spirit,
Word of challenge, Come, be with us.
Gentle father, Everyday God,
Faithful brother, O Jesus,
Tender sister, O Spirit.
Loving mother, Come, be with us.
Our beginning, Everyday God,
Our unfolding, O Jesus,
Our enduring, O Spirit,
Journey's ending, Come, be with us.
Alleluia, Everyday God,
Now and always, O Jesus,
Alleluia, O Spirit,
Through all ages, Come, be with us.