Christmas

As a church we were out singing carols in Tesco's this morning, trying to bring a bit of the real spirit of Christmas into the slog of buying.  As it wasn't just music we were offering but bags of sweets and booklets I hope we provided a small oasis in the busyness of Christmas Eve.  People were certainly surprised to be told that we weren't collecting money (until our friendly bank employee provided a bucket for the cash which will go to Tearfund). 

One of the songs we sang was written fairly recently, is thought-provoking and has a beautiful melody.  For those who haven't come across Mary, did you know? here are the lyrics.  There are many examples of it being sung on Youtube.  Look it up, it'll haunt you

  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
  Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new;
  And the child that you delivered will soon deliver you?


  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to the blind man?
  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
  Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod,
  And when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again,
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb

  Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all Creation?
  Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
  Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb, 
  And the sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM?

                                                               Buddy Greene & Mark Lowry

One of the things I'm enjoying about writing a blog is the opportunity to inflict my thoughts upon anyone who cares to read them.  Here's another of my favourite Christmas verses.  This one is taken from Louis MacNeice's Autumn Journal. 

  There was a star in the East, the magi in their turbans 
        Brought their luxury toys 
  In homage to a child born to capsize their values
        And wreck their equipoise.
  A smell of hay like peace in the dark stable -
       Not peace however but a sword
  To cut the Gordian knot of logical self-interest,
       The fool-proof golden cord;
  For Christ walks in where no philosopher treads
       But armed with more than folly,
  Making the smooth place rough and knocking the heads 
       Of Church and State together.
  In honour of whom we have taken over the pagan
       Saturnalia for our annual treat
  Letting the belly have its say, ignoring
       The spirit while we eat.
  And Conscience still goes crying through the desert
        With sackcloth round his loins:
  A week to Christmas - hark the herald angels
       Beg for copper coins.


That's it, I've got it out of my system for now.  No verses next time.

I hope you all have a very happy Christmas and make space for Jesus in the busyness.