THOUGHTS TO PONDER

Most of us are caught up in a mixture of memory and anticipation as we prepare to move into the period of Advent, with its invitation to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Memories of other times, when the family constellation may have been intact and anticipation of this year’s reunions and celebrations. For everyone it is a special time, though maybe tinged with poignancy.

The Christmas story is probably the most beloved story of all time, and we return to it again and again, glad of the sense of warmth and generosity which it triggers in all but the hardest hearts, and appreciative of some good news in the midst of the prevailing themes of financial crisis, global warming, and unrest in many parts of the world.

It was the poet John Betjeman who wrote: “if it be true, it is the most tremendous tale of all.” So then, what is it about the Christmas story that compels our attention? Why in the midst of the shopping, the preparations and the carol-singing do we pause – however briefly- to wonder?

Yesterday came a mailed copy of a letter written by a woman in Australia to Bishop Spong in the USA. I think it provides a pretty good answer to the question, and looks to the deeper meaning of the birth narratives, so I quote from it here:

It is – a story about hope (all babies are about hope for the future)

– a story for ordinary people (the angels appeared to shepherds)

– a story about a star (a symbol of hope in a dark world)

– a story about wise men (the search for wisdom)

– a story about love

– and a story above all about peace and goodwill on earth!

I remember as a child loving the Poem ‘The Oxen’, which imagines the oxen kneeling in awe at the moment of Jesus birth. I know it didn’t happen that way – more’s the pity! But I’m with Hardy when he added:

If someone said on Christmas Eve,

‘Come; see the oxen kneel

In the lonely barton by yonder coomb

Our childhood used to know,’

I should go with him in the gloom

Hoping it might be so….

Mary McMahon