God in all things

On the third day of Christmas, I went to see the latest Mandela film with a friend with whom I was in South Africa this past summer.  We had a leisurely lunch, catching up on Christmas celebrations while munching on delicious food.

The movie itself has me wondering. I was anxiously awaiting viewing it and must confess I was slightly disappointed. The book Long Walk to Freedom is a marvelous read, revealing much about this man. The reader sees both his ‘trouble-making” ways that begin in childhood and his hero qualities. The movie opens with a focus on his womanizing which seems unnecessary. I would much have preferred to see the early days of his life in his home community and later with Tambo. Turning an almost 800-page book into a film is certainly a challenge and parts had to be left out, but I might have chosen differently.

I loved seeing him do what I have dubbed the Madiba dance of joy. I think it captures the essence of who he is. Dancing with happiness is such a part of who we should be–especially in this season of Joy. The film has tidbits that may mean less to those unfamiliar with the long walk this man made but to those who know, who have taken the wild boat ride over to Robben Island, who have envisioned what it was like for him to walk down the path to the yard, or be confined to his small cell, or hide his book notes in the garden, or feel the heartbreak of not attending his son’s funeral…these are moments that the film only gives a glimpse of if they include it at all. Read the book if the film inspires you. You will get a much bigger picture of this giant.

The movie is filmed in South Africa and the scenery is breathtaking in different ways–Table Mountain and Robben Island in particular. The acting is very good. The historical aspects of Sharpesville, Soweto, and other areas appear to use real footage. Mandela’s voice seems eerily close to the authentic prosody. The movie is two and a half hours long but it moves quickly. Some of it may not make sense to those who do not know key players–Chris Hani’s assassination, for example, is not clearly depicted.  The audience must know who the others who are arrested are as this is not ever clearly explained, other than they are other ANC “terrorists”. The film is definitely worth seeing and mulling over. Mandela was a model of a way of living rightly and this portrayal makes that clear.

Peace,

Suzanne

Day two of Christmas–ten days left of the season. Today I hunkered down for the most part. I went to mass for the Feast of St. Stephen. I love doing that as it so clearly links Easter and Christmas. It is a good reminder of why we celebrate this season. The green wreath will become the crown of thorns.

After mass I swung by my parents place to discuss a difficult decision. The time to move out of the family home is not easily discerned in this case and the conversation was challenging as my parents are not in agreement on what to do. I came up with the stalling solution of having a third party come in and assess the needs. Hopefully that will help. On this second day of Christmas I need some hope and peace.

What do you need today?

Peace,

Suzanne

The creche was a central part of Christmas for me. This creche scene has been used at our family home ever since I was a little girl which almost makes it antique now! The story of God come down as an infant, breaking out of the 9-month human tabernacle, and with a cry filling real lungs with air, he arrives on earth, freshly delivered from Heaven. Think about it. Really think about it. God as Son came down as a little babe and laid to rest in a simple stable for the first night of Life. God, making the initial offering that would set the stage for the ultimate sacrifice, saw that Jesus was born in humble surroundings because we had no room for Him elsewhere. Do we still do that today? Have no room for the One who gives All? Are we too busy to extend a hand to those in need still?

What does it take for us to notice the Christ-Child in our midst? As we gathered today with family, did we see God at our table? Did we give thanks? Were our hearts burning with joy at the great Gift received this holy day? Did we realize in our gratitude or disappoint with the earthly gifts received or not this year that the emotions might be reflected in our own attitude to the Gift?

We have waited these four weeks, waited in hope, with peace, joy and love, to receive this little One that is the huge Gift. This tiny babe, fragile and tender, is our Hope, our Peace, our Joy and our Love. This infant is Infinite and so are these Gifts. Such is the reason for our Christmas celebrations–a small Being that contains all of us within His beating heart. If I really stop to think about it, I would never rise from my knees again. This Jesus came for me and I do fall on my knees in awe and gratitude. How can I do anything but?  

A joyous Christmas to all!

Peace,

Suzanne

Snow falls gently here. Choirs sing carols through my computer. A star will shine brightly tonight.  This is a holy night, this night when the Saviour of the world comes to us vulnerable and fragile. This child born in a stable, in poverty, loneliness and Love. This child is the long-awaited One. This night is the night that all have been waiting and longing for. No one knew that God had such a magnificent plan for his beloved people. No one could have expected the Gift to arrive in such a tiny package.

I gather with loved ones in preparation for this miracle. A long-time tradition of meeting with a friend this afternoon is followed by a newer tradition of having supper with friends prior to mass. I am privileged to celebrate Christmas with believers and without persecution. I am blessed to have a Messiah who loves me as I am and always will. The Gift is given freely to all. This Emmanuel is faithful. Come to the stable this Christmas. Follow the Star. Bow and adore the One who is God in human form. Come, let us worship Christ, the newborn king.

Peace,

Suzanne

What does Love name you? I have several nicknames bestowed upon me by people who love me. Each of those names are dear to me, each of them speak to a specific relationship that is grown in Love. In today’s Gospel, the people are a-buzz with the naming of John the Baptist.  They could not understand why Elizabeth insisted upon calling the child John. The name is only endorsed when Zechariah writes it and his tongue is freed. This was the name decreed by angels and this was the name the boy was to have.

Jesus comes to us with many names too: Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty King, Son of God, Joy of the Angels, Messiah, Lord, the Christ, Saviour are just the beginning of a never-ending list of affectionate names for the babe. Sit for a moment in silence, perhaps in front of the lit Advent Wreath and ask yourself, what does Love name me?  Sit for another minute and ask the reason for the name given. Savour the Saviour’s choice for you.

Peace,

Suzanne

Dreams can both heal and haunt us. Joseph, lost in slumber one night while struggling what to do with his pregnant fiancee, was visited in his dreams by an angel of God. His path suddenly becomes clearer.  He steps out in faith, not knowing what the journey will look like or what will be asked of him.

We light the candle of Love today. I believe that Love will win, even in the most difficult scenarios.  Sometimes it is hard to wait in the struggle, to wait and believe that God will make our crooked paths straight. No amount of scurrying or dragging our feet will set roadblocks for the Holy Spirit. As Joseph struggled, in his faithfulness, he received his answer…and he acted out of faith.

Today’s psalm announces that the one with clean hands and a pure heart will stand on God’s holy hill. This person seeking God will receive blessings from the Lord.  There is no other way but to seek the face of God.

Emmanuel comes as Love today and always.  Love wins again. Love has come so that we may have life. Like Joseph let us trust in our divine dreams and set out in good faith, set out for the holy hill of the Lord.  Love awaits with Joy, Peace, and Hope.

Peace,

Suzanne

Christmas is nearly upon us. One last Advent candle to light tomorrow. One more theme to live into as this week of Joy planted with Hope and watered with Peace ends. Love visits tomorrow. Way off in the distance you can recognize Love when your heart is full of Joy, Peace and Hope. It sits like on a branch of a tree, majestic and sacred, waiting to be discovered in the stillness. One must have eyes that wish to see Love in all things, not everyone does.

Joyfully, I am far from ready for Christmas and yet I have probably never been more prepared. I have stayed in the moment of Advent and walked this path prayerfully and longingly, seeking the Gifts offered weekly to those who adore the Christ-child. I should be dashing around this morning but instead have had quiet moments alone at home this morning, relishing the prayer time and blessings of these moments.

What moments of deep Joy have blessed you this week? What do you long for as you light the Love candle tomorrow?

Peace,

Suzanne

Week three of Advent comes quickly to a close. School is out as of today. Hurray! Christmas approaches. Hope, peace and joy are taking root, settling in the soul, and preparing room in the heart. I am officially behind on Christmas but have lived Advent fairly well. Christmas cards are yet to be sent and I am not done shopping but I seem to not really care at the moment. I wonder what that means.

I look forward to this time off to sink into the meaning of the season, catch up with friends and family, and rest. Holiday joy seems to have arrived tonight. Amen! Halleluiah!

Peace,

Suzanne

I drove home in the midst of blowing snow that caused low visibility. I just kept thanking God for keeping me safe. Wintry roads are scary sometimes. Tonight as I look at my candles I feel peace settle into my bones. I realize I am quite tired. I hope I am in bed early tonight. I am still writing my Christmas letter which is usually in the mail by now but this year will be different. I am more interested in Joy in my world than trying to meet deadlines this year.

Two days more of work with the holiday concert scheduled for tomorrow evening. I have both a staff breakfast and a luncheon tomorrow. Friday should be slower and more relaxed. Tonight I relax into the candlelight and remember what the season is for. This Child that we await is a precious gift that bestows such profound joy upon us. Joy to the world. The Lord is coming!

Peace,

Suzanne

As much as I grumble about how much I drive on the highway with my job, I do cherish the experiences being out of the city gives me. From a distance I could see a huge bird dive down on a roadside carcass and then fly up to a tree as my car approached. The flash of the white tail startled me, waving hello to me and announcing itself. I had not expected to see an eagle at this time of year and certainly not so soon after the foursome that had greeted me this fall during a prayer walk. It was such an unspeakable joy.

I pulled over and parked as it landed on an evergreen tree and blended in with the background. I shuffled around in my camera bag, grabbing my camera, and attempted a few shots from inside the car. I got brave and stepped out of the car but did not get any clear shots as it flew to the other side of the highway. I hated disturbing it.

It perched across the roadway on top of this tall tree. I tried taking a few more photos but still not many turned out. I am still learning my way with the new camera and at dusk it is hard to figure out metering still. It does not really matter though. I am grateful for the joy given, the delight dwelling deep within.

Joy in this week of Advent is present. I am grateful for the eagle. I am grateful too for the tree which reminded me of the cross upon which the Joy of the angels hung, which started as that little babe that we await. Joy was born in a stable that starry night and hung on a cross that black afternoon. Joy did not die though. Joy is always resurrecting itself at the most unlikely moments. Joy unspeakable is yours this week. Pick it up.  Embrace it.  Wear it.  Share it. Thank it.

Peace,

Suzanne