Wednesday
December 8, 2010
Peter sings,
“The song of an angel, good cheer to a stranger
The ones you’ve known all the way
Coming back to the heart of the matter to scatter the whistles and
bells
You’re telling the story of Christmas”
I’ve been out making home visits during these days before Christmas. I must tell you that I am always humbled by the faithful stories told by parishioners. I told my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann today that listening to these stories makes me feel like an archeologist of narratives. That during a conversation broken bits and pieces of stories are dug up, revealed and examined. It is as if these “shards” get discovered and re-discovered again and again in light of the story of Christmas. We then analyze our story while hearing echoes of God’s amazing love story for us.
Sometimes the stories wander here and there. In other words there are subplots and sub-themes that don’t readily appear to be connected to the original narrative. But, usually after a few twists and turns we find ourselves back on track while the story continues.
It is as Peter sings,
“Coming back to the heart of the matter to scatter the whistles and
bells.”
I’ve been thinking and praying a lot these days about the “heart of the matter.” Another way of saying that is to reflect on what is really, I mean really, really important. As we participate in the days of Advent it is a priority to be intentionally in touch with one’s values, priorities and goals.
I remained convinced that the “heart of the matter” is when it comes to the heart of God that humans really matter! This isn’t fiction. This isn’t just a little fable. But, rather God has totally wrapped God’s self up in the story of Christmas.
It’s amazing, isn’t it?
Joyfully,
rtg
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