Tag Archives: human

When December Comes

A poem I wrote while preparing to lead Blue Christmas at Leatherhead Methodist Church in 2024 – a service to feel what we feel during the Christmas season.

When December Comes

We turn the page on November,
and so its time for December to begin,
and with it comes a cacophony,
of stuff and tasks and things.

There’s activity, the lists of jobs,
the shopping, gifts and treats,
planning who we’ll see, and when,
and then there’s what we’ll eat.

But inside, there’s something else,
that I don’t what to ignore,
but I don’t know what to do with it,
because feelings are hard to explore.

they say Christmas is a season
of joy, peace, hope and love,
but with it comes some memories
that for me, don’t hold that stuff.

They’re feelings that I can’t hold back,
but sometimes struggle to figure out,
they hurt, in ways I can’t express,
God knows what they’re about.

So here I am, with how I feel,
acknowledging it all.
Amidst my noise, my inner thoughts,
my feelings, all a whirl.

You say that Jesus Christ was born
to be God with us, Emmanuel,
Lord amidst my noise and thoughts,  
would you come to me and dwell.

Right now, I don’t need fixing,
I’m not broken, I’m not weak.
I’m just a human being,
being honest in how speak.

So Lord this prayer I offer,
is simple on your part.
May I just know that you are with me,
may I know it, in my heart.

Puddles

I had to go out for a walk in the rain with the girls this week, and so our youngest was desperate to go out in her wellies – which she did. She walked through each puddle and watched the water rise up around her toes. As she jumped and splashed her smile was oen of those smiles that beam with joy from cheek to cheek.

Seeing her joy at what before that moment had been to me a mundane and slightly frustrating task – having to go out in the rain – brought me up short. She found joy were I had seen only wet, grey and mundane. But in that moment, through her joyful splashing in puddles, I had been splashed with joy too.

What we do, and how we live impacts others. It’s the way God made us, it is our human nature to be relational, connected beings.

But God has also made each of us unique, and it is through that uniqueness that I believe God has place in each of us a uniqueness and blessing that only we can bring to the world.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8, NIVUK

So whoever you are, whatever your gifts and passions and skills, use them, and splash with them – because through you, God will bless others too.

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