Well that's it done
and dusted, finito! My first Christmas as an ordinand!
The two weeks before Christmas I -
Sung away in a manger
approximately 10 times,
As fun as it all was I am
shattered and extremely glad for a rest. Looking back on this last busy
month there are some things which have become apparent to me I would like to
share.
1. Christmas is busy and when I
say busy I mean gong above and beyond normal working hours and I didn't do all
the services. It made me realise just how much clergy give up to allow the
story of Jesus' birth to be spread to all. Yes it is fun, but whilst everyone
else can enjoy family time clergy work very hard to make events and services
happen.
2. This was my first Christmas
where I didn't wake up in my parent's home because I had to work. This was a
blessing in disguise. It was a blessing because I got to be with my future in
laws and fiancé on Christmas morning, but I found it so hard not being with my
parents. It was the first of many Christmases where I'll be away and where God
wants me next could be the other side of the country. It was a touch of
realisation for me that things are changing.
3. However smoothly you plan a
service to be you have to learn to go with the flow. Whether it's because a
person becomes sick and can't be the shepherd or the child who was meant to say
some lines in a service is scared. I had to quickly learn how to go with the
flow, smile and realise there is always someone else willing to help you out
(Even if it is because they feel sorry for you because you're the ordinand.)
4. It's good to be prepared to be
a little silly. Dressing up as the Angel Gabriel will always make people smile.
Some wings, a few nativity masks and a halo will hold you in good stead, as
will the willingness not to be too serious and have some fun.
5. Christmas is not a time of joy
for all. Taking time to pray and remembering those who are alone, ill and
desperate need of help is important. Whether that means helping out a busy mum,
visiting the elderly, providing food for food banks or being part of a mass
Christmas dinner. It's definitely worth while.
6. Having an opportunity to serve
God over Christmas is a blessing. Working in retail was very busy too but I
never got to experience all the Christmas services and spend so much time with
Jesus remembering what it must have been like some 2000 years ago waiting for the
Christ child to be born.
Be blessed
The two weeks before Christmas I -
Well you did an excellent job as the angel Gabriel. The Christmas Eve service really was a most enjoyable experience. Just the four mince pies I wonder which day that was? If its the day I'm thinking of they were actually rather bite size ones!
ReplyDeleteIan & Nicola