... nothing like the job spec, if there was such a thing, which there isn't.

The last few days have been totally off-script and maybe a tad off piste.

But today, as I exercised a ministry that is not in any theological text book or pastoral care course, I was reminded that this is precisely what ministry is: privilege.

Privilege to share the most personal and significant moments in the lives of others

Privilege to share with the most vulnerable of people

Privilege to expend your energy and love in situations that really matter

No amount of "sound doctrine" or "worthy preaching" counts for anything unless it finds its expression in love lived... faith without deeds is, as James so well expresses it, dead.

Time off totally failed... need to be careful and pace myself... but it is being pretty special right now.

Worshipping with folk from UK, Nigeria, USA and Sweden

Dining with folk from all walks of life

Remembering absent friends

And basically having a ball!

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son...

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it, not overcome it...

May the blessings of the seaosn be yours now and always

This afternoon is the Gingerbead Nativity - an afternoon of love and laughter culminating in a creative telling of the Christmas story.

I debated advance posting for tomorrow, when I'll be out all day but opted not to this year.  Instead, this is a kind of a bloggy Christmas card!

May the joy of the angels,

the eagerness of the shepherds,

the perseverance of the wise men,

the obedience of Joseph and Mary,

and the peace of the Christ child

be yours this Christmas

(borrowed from the C of E)

I have a small but loyal readership in the southern hemisphere, where it is already Christmas Day - so wishing them the blessing of a happy day, filled with love and laughter, and that the year ahead is healthy and hope-filled.

Special greetings to Baptists in Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand.

That joyous moment when all the serivce prep is prepped - including Sunday 28th (albeit not printed off yet) which means I get two whole days off after tomorrow.

This maybe as well, as I a delightful Christmas cold all set to peak tomorrow :-)