Christmas - over

I am sorry my daily blog never really got going this year. December turned out to be extremely busy and er, Christmas sort of took over.

We've reached the end of Christmas really. We have eaten so much rich food, finishing it up as we have tried to do tonight has been a challenge. There is only so much mackerel pate you can take let alone mince pies and chocolates! We've sung our last carol today at Messy Church. We are Christmased out.

But we forget at our peril the length of the Christmas season, it runs until February 2nd, the feast of Candlemas. I didn't put any decorations up until Christmas Eve to people's amazement. I will take them down on January 6th apart from a nativity set which will remain in my lounge until the end of the season. I remember sharing a funeral with the vicar in our united church in Heighington near Darlington some years ago in the middle of January. He lit the Christmas candle and reminded people that Christ who came on earth is still on earth in mid January in the gloom and despondency and pain of life. I have never forgotten that. We act as though he comes and then we put him away with the glitter until next year rather than remembering the stable and all of that is merely the introduction to the story of God on earth permanently.

I am beginning to ponder 2017 - a huge year for me as I marry the love of my life in just over two months, an unexpected blessing and joy despite it feeling huge and a little scary. We've had a lovely first Christmas together sorting what will be our home here, including transforming my kitchen cupboards where nothing is logically placed anywhere into OUR kitchen! The saucepans are now near the oven, and the mugs are near the kettle and random rubbish has been binned. Other people are sensing 2017 might be diffcult, with the implications of Brexit and a move towards isolationism rather than community and the shuddering thought of President Trump. We need to remember our resources and our faith more than ever. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot put it out. God's love is steadfast. Read Psalm 136 for fun! Og, King of  Bashan is smited. A mountain falls on his head according to legend. We act as though God is not enough and we are not enough. We need to be more confident in him and in ourselves. Sunday's Gospel reminds us he dwells among us not just as long as mince pies are in season, but for always.

So, yes, I am confused and unsure of the day of the week but as the year ends and another opens I am trying to step out assured all will be well.
I wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, no more rich food but more confidence I am not alone. I will settle for that.