6th December; St Nicholas

This day commemorates St Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (c 300 AD), renowned for his Christ-likeness and self sacrifice who gave generously to the people. He has become the patron saint of children, so in many parts of Europe children will have received today gifts brought by St Nicholas (or Sinter Klaus).

The tradition has merged with the German folk tradition of Christkind (Kris Kringle) and the British tradition of Father Christmas (possibly based on the old Celtic 'Green Man', a symbol of winter fertility) and, by transfer of all three traditions to the United States, has become Santa Claus.

In the low countries and Germany the gift giving has already taken place. In Britain we’ll wait until Christmas Day. Just as well; I haven’t even started shopping!

Advent 1: the people of God

Sunday 3 December 2006

There are many ways that human beings try to understand God. To some, God is absolute and external; to others, close and within; to some, above all things; to others, within all things. Some see God only as an idea – an invention of the corporate human psyche. If God is only an idea, it is the best idea that humankind has ever had; the idea of a source of love, justice and peace; an aspiration higher than the sum of all our best hopes, yet within our grasp.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The best dreams and aspirations of humanity are, I believe, born of God – and the aspirations of God are wrought in the best actions of humankind.

On this day, the first Sunday of Advent, the Church reminds its people that we are the people of God – called to call the world to Salvation. However, it is not those who call “Lord, Lord” who are saved, but those who do the will of God. To know this will, it is vital to see God in the faces of our neighbours, in the actions of the just and true, in the love of the merciful and the dignity of the humble.

And so we wait. We wait for the coming of the Christ, preparing ourselves to be the body of Christ in this world – a living sacrifice fit for the service of all humankind.

detail: the creation of Adam, Michaelangelo

1st December World Aids Day: The Body of Christ has AIDS.

It's the 25th World Aids Day. Glimmers of hope appear amongst the sadness: in a child born free of the virus to an HIV+ mother; or in those for whom combination therpy has given continued life. But the sorrow of lost friends and relatives, the lives of millions affected now still makes this a commoration and not a jubliee.

Light a candle; remember a soul; never give up hope.

Why St Mungo's Child?

Kentigern (or St Mungo) is the Patron of my home city, Glasgow (Glasgow's Kelvin Grove Gallery, pictured right). He was a Celtic Christian, reputidly of some compassion. I have been fascinated by rythm and season for years, as were the Celtic saints - hence the Blog title.

This Blog will draw on things 'in season' that interest me - exploring inclusive (liberal-progressive and neo-orthodox) Christian liturgical materials, secular and scientific influences, philosophy and comparative theology. The truth is bigger than all of our learning and I have little time, patience or energy to waste on those whose minds are already a closed book.

Made by Allah, who does not make mistakes!

I recall being at London Gay Pride in July 2005 when a group so-called Christians (fundamentalists) stood close to Trafalgar Square and held up homophobic slogans (mis-quotes and out of context verses from the Bible). A group of lesbian & gay Muslims dressed in rainbow-coloured burkhas held up another banner that simply read: "Made by Allah, who does not make mistakes!"

The gay Muslims got a huge cheer from the crowd; and I was proud to feel closer to them than to those so-called Christians with whom I'm supposed to share a common heritage. The latter's homophobic slogans were an offence to humanity and to the God they claim to represent.

God has made us all in her own image, and she delights in our diverse humanity.