Poems, Sermons and Writings

Luke 2:1-20 Sometimes when I was younger, Christmas itself felt like a bit of a let-down. The build-up was so huge. The decorations, wrapping the presents, planning the feast - it almost seemed bigger than the day. Luke’s gospel is a bit like that - in his first chapter, there are dreams, visions, people being struck dumb, angelic visitors, and wonderful hymns. In this chapter, things become quite ordinary - background details of emperors and governors, a census, a busy time with lots of travelers, and overcrowded accommodation. The words in v 6&7 are quite bare  “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.   And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” There is very little detail and nothing mystical here. No star, no sparkles, no angel, no dream… With Luke’s buildup, we thought something amazing was going to happen. A bit of letdown - pretty ordinary.  L

                                        Seeing the other Easy was her name Easy, pregnant at six months and abandoned. Easy, adopted into our family, sharing our home, our space. Renaming Easy an act of love and respect for the other. Diva is her name R.E.S.P.E.C.T.   Respect her space, her behaviour, her needs.   She is not property She is not owned Beloved companion, pushing her nose into my hand. Diva is her name Communication non-verbal Attentiveness Observation                                                                       Where does she walk?                                                                  Where does she look?                                                             Closing her eyes in trust.                                                                    Diva is her name                                                                My teacher                                                                       honing my skills and character