December 2003: Nine

See December 2004 for explanation.

These are the nine readings and music we used this year:

1. Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19; Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones
2. Genesis 22:15-18
3. Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth
4. Isaiah 11:1-3a, 4a, 6-9; Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles
5. Luke 1:26-35, 38; Angels by Robbie Williams
6. Luke 2:1, 3-7; Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
7. Luke 2:8-16
8. Matthew 2:1-12
9. John 1:1-14; Mad World by The Darkness

Lesson 1: the Fall

So this is freedom...

Something later generations will curse us for. They will say it all started here. Conflict, starvation … stress at work … concentration of power in the hands of a few, separation from one another, lives driven by fear. They will retreat into the trivial -- you know, celebrity watching, tabloid television, the National Lottery... or build fortresses to keep everyone away. Especially the asylum seekers. They will say it all started here. This is what it means to be fully human, to be fully alive -- to face bleakness and death.

But could I go back to the way I was before? Before, all was light, I was dazzled, I saw nothing.

Now I see that the world has texture. Now I see that we need darkness as much as light if we are to see anything. Now I am no longer an infant who expects to see God walking in the garden in the evening. Now it is possible for me to relate to God as an adult.

And I believe that is what God wants.

But first I must face my freedom. And I must face death.