Is this the Good News?
We'll drink to that! (hands raised, as in a toast)
Great worship; inspirational sermon.
It's been a mixed week. A lot of family stuff going on: more work at Jude's house (and lots of discussion and planning), Christmas preparations, and continuing Bible study. There is no doubt about the highlight of the week, though: the birth of baby Chloe Grace, to Chris & Debbie. A little sister for George and our first grand-daughter! Here she is:
Isn't she beautiful? She arrived on Wednesday evening at 8.30pm, weighing in at a healthy 7lbs 7ozs. She more than made up for a pretty dismal game at Goodison Park, where I was at the time! (1-1 v Hull, if you're interested.) All are doing well, and George is being a star, especially caring towards his mum. Chris & Debbie of course are delighted - not to say relieved, as Chloe arrived after labour of just 1 hour! They were very nearly too late at the hospital.
It feels very strange, after nearly 40 years of ordained ministry, not to be 'on duty' during Advent and over Christmas. It actually affords me more time to plan with the family and to be more involved with the preparations: shopping, cooking, decorating etc. I'm hoping to do some cooking over the next week or so, and some menu-planning for the Season itself. It's not exactly a new skill for me, but I'm not very confident. This week, we have also spent some time revising our Christmas card list which was rather out of date. Been meaning to do that for some years! As we found at our Ruby wedding earlier in the year, we have friendships which have endured over many years, for which we are so thankful. Others which, sadly over time, have been lost - but no less appreciated.
My study of the Psalms (one or two a day) has been enriching. I have come to appreciate how the psalmists make a clear distinction between the 'righteous' or godly and the 'wicked' or ungodly. These categories are different from our own. They are not to do with moral goodness or imperfections, but rather signify a difference between those who honour God and those who do not. The righteous are by no means perfect (for example, Jacob was deceitful and David an adulterer); on the other hand there are those who, while not claiming to be God-fearers, nevertheless lead lives which conform to God's purposes in creation. In particular, this relates to care for the poor and oppressed. So often in the Psalms, there are laments which cry out to God for justice on behalf of the downtrodden, and equally call down judgment on the greedy and the oppressors. For example, Psalm 10 highlights what you might call 'practical atheism' ('they think in their heart, 'God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it.') To which the response is, 'But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; you have been the helper of the orphan.' The psalmist then implores God to 'break the arm of the wicked and evildoers' while declaring that God will 'hear the desire of the meek and strengthen their heart.' Always the blessed are defined as those who trust in the Lord, whatever their station in life - especially if they are oppressed. 'Happy (=blessed) are all who take refuge in him' (Psalm 2.11)
Later this week, I plan to have a meeting with a local rabbi, to discuss the Jewish understanding of blessing. I have been reflecting on God's words to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that 'through them and their offspring all the nations of the world shall be blessed.' In trying to understand how churches can be 'communities of blessing', I am curious to know what this means in Jewish thought, historically and today.
Tomorrow I am off to London for a meeting, in my capacity as 'Literary Adviser' for the late Lord David Sheppard. While I am there, I'll be having an evening meal with my 2 aunts, the only remaining (of 6) sisters of my mother. It will be good to catch up with them, and show them photos of the new arrival amongst other things.
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