The story from Genesis 2 relates to what one writer termed 'the human propensity to f*** things up' - or, sin, or the simple truth that freedom brings responsibility, and choices have consequences.
Personal or corporate, commission or omission, ignorance, weakness or deliberate fault... humans mess up.
Thankfully, God forgives us not once, not 70 x 7 times, but every single time.
Today is a 'heavy' theme, inviting us to recall our regrets - but we do so in order to let them go, to be forgiven, healed and renewed.
(Oh, and it really wasn't an apple, or why would we still eat them?!)
Illustrations from a children's book of the Huron Carol
'twas in the moon of winter-time when all the birds had fled, that mighty gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead; before the light the stars grew dim, and wondering hunters herd the hymn: "Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis Gloria."
within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found, a raged robe of rabbit skin enwrapp'd his beauty round; but as the hunter braves drew nigh, the angel song rang loud and high...
the earliest moon of winter-time is not so round and fair, as was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there; the chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt...
O children of the forest free, O sons of Manitou, The Holy Child of earth and heaven Is born today for you. Come kneel before the radiant Boy Who brings you beauty, peace and joy...
Today I have the first cup of Advent Calendar tea! It is a blend called 'Spooky Spice.' I expect it's aimed at Halloween rather than Advent, but never mind, 'spooky' is one of the words I use to describe the moments when I sense the activity of God's Spirit in my life.
So, I have my cup of tea, and I open up the first reading from 'Honest Advent' and it focuses on the story of the Annunciation, and invites us to ponder the kind of revelations we might invite, and the kind of revelations we actually experience.
I have a 'hmm' moment, flashing back to the second Sunday in Advent 1997, and the incredible moment that God spoke to me with unmistakable clarity, calling me to ordained ministry 'you, preach the word, be ready in season and out of season.' Almost quarter of a century later (how on earth - or in heaven - did that happen) I still feel that mix of terror and certainty, as I knew that to say 'yes' would irrevocably change my life.
Sometimes, I feel like a grumpy old minister, cynical with age, and then in a spooky moment, God touches me afresh.
If you read this chapter of this book, do so carefully, and take it seriously - saying 'yes' to God will mess with your life-plans...
At its best, it will be so incredibly wonderful, and at its worst, so utterly awful, but in it all, you will know that for this God called you - here I am am Lord, let it be to me according to your will.
Today we begin to add symbols to our Jesse tree - or if not to literally do so, then maybe to ponder the themes.
The first theme is creation, and an invitation to identify, and thank God for, 'our favourite things' - which may, or may not, include raindrops on roses or warm woolen mittens!
Here are a few of mine (not necessarily in any kind of order)
Cats
Dandelions
The River Clyde
The moon
Sunsets
Tea leaves (from which to make tea)
Crunchy autumn leaves
Snow
Crunchy salad leaves
Opposable thumbs
Bird song
Cocoa
The hour just before dawn
Swans
Squirrels
Tigers
Pansies
Daffodils
What would you add?
Thank you, God, for this wonderful world of which I am just a tiny part. Help me not only to delight in it, but also to treasure and care for it.
Today's image is a photo of an artefact from a collection held by the Marian Library of the University of Dayton, Ohio. Its simplicity is the key to its significance - minimal details, no facial features, only three characters.
A prayer (written here, not used in the reflection)
God of the simple things,
Thank you that you simply came into our complicated world,
That we might rediscover the simple truth that you love us.
