What the heck is that?!? I really have no idea. And, since it is December 21, I am going to skip it. Sorry. Sometimes in Advent you need to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Besides, check out today's Lego:
Ben Kenobi, "If it's a fast ship?" Han Solo, "Fast ship? You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon?" Ben, "Should I have? Han, "It's the ship that made the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs! I've outrun Imperial starships, not the local bulk-cruisers, mind you. I'm talking about the big Corellian ships now. She's fast enough for you, old man."
Too bad the parsec is a unit of distance, not speed, but anyway.
Luke Skywalker, "What a piece of junk!" Han, "She'll make point five beyond the speed of light. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've added some special modifications myself. We're a little rushed, so if you'll hurry aboard we'll get out of here."
We're in the home stretch. When we reach the early twenties of December, the pace of life is strange: we move faster, the to do lists get longer (not shorter), and yet we are somewhat numb at the same time. These days resemble that moment in a action movie with the car is jumping over the canyon or the hero is jumping from one building to another. Action is most certainly happening, but the music stops, the sound effects go mute, and all hold their breath.
We can also feel beat up. We have survived the gauntlet of Thanksgiving, travel, cards, parties, school assemblies, visitors, pagenat rehearsals, shopping, mailing, and now we are nearing home. But, we are run down and the beauty of the season is muted. We are not unlike the Millennium Falcon: fast and capable, but damaged and unattractive.
This past Sunday, Calvary celebrated a "family friendly" Lessons & Carols. Only five lessons were read, using the Jesus Storybook and Message translations, and the carols were selections the kids would understand. Then, after the Peace, we invited all of the children to gather around a small altar at the base of the chancel steps and we celebrated the Eucharist together. This was beautiful, especially when we all held hands during the Lord's Prayer, but there was an awkward moment when the ushers had to navigate around several small ones when receiving and returning the alms basins. The aforementioned and wonderful Eyleen Farmer was the Presider and she said, right before launching into the Eucharistic Prayer, "this is a lot like the first Christmas in the stable - you have to watch where you step." The whole congregation laughed heartily, especially the altar party.
When will I get to the point and tie all this together? How about now. While we may feel like the Millenium Falcon (and feel like we look like the Millenium Falcon), we can take solace in the fact that the very first Christmas was celebrated in a not-so-pretty place where you had to watch your step. We have gilded the nativity, but in reality the Messiah was born in a barn. Which means, among many other things, your keeping of Advent and celebration of Christmas don't need to be tidy. Everything does not need to be put away and the dog fur tumbleweeds don't need to entirely eradicated (even if there is one under the wingback chair that is developing a personality). Just be together. Love each other. Celebrate. Know joy. Not perfect joy. Just simple joy. And simple is the best kind.
Have a great evening. See you tomorrow. Blessed Advent.
1 comments:
I LOVE the idea of a family friendly Lessons & Carols.
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