What is Christmas to you?

Christmas is almost upon us.  The frantic pace of trying to get everything sorted, bought, prepared, decorated, wrapped, organized, and sent is here.  I don't know about you, but despite the hassles and crowds, I love Christmas time.  It conjours up images and memories of candy stuffed bellies; delight and wonder of amazing gifts; and of course fun family time.

No, not every Christmas was something right out of Hollywood circa 1954, but still the season was always a treat and something I looked forward to every year (and still do).  But of course it isn't like this for everyone.  And of course many Christians lament the way this Holiday period resembles something more out of a handguide to business success then the Bible.  There are all sorts of questions, queries, and/or concerns about Christmas - one of my personal favourites is the actual date (was December 25th the actual birth date of Jesus - probably not).

However, why do people focus and fret about the inconveniences or problems?  This is probably the time of year where more people think about giving, being together with family and friends, and having a thought or two about God and spiritual matters as compared to any other time of the year.  And isn't that one of the reasons that Jesus came to Earth - to promote giving, community, and an understanding of God.

So enjoy the Turkey and Christmas Pudding, enjoy the look of excitement on the children's faces, and try to step back and ask yourself what is Christmas to God - what does He look at and see, what is He doing, and how is God celebrating this time of year?

Merry Christmas (I'll be back in the New Year)

Bored with God?

This morning as I was riding in to work on the metro I took the opportunity to read a little from The Message on my iPhone (yes, how very modern of me - commuting to work on public transport and using an Apple product - soon the new Microsoft because they are everywhere - to read this modern translation of an ancient text).  I indeed had a few interesting thoughts from my readings, but my mind wandered a little to the big picture of my spiritual life and I asked myself if I was bored with God?

A scary question to be sure - because just the question let alone the answer is a bit insulting both to God and to me.  But I think one that bears asking.  Yes, God should be insulted by the thought that He could bore anyone (the question of whether God would be insulted or can be insulted is another topic).  Here is the most awe inspiring Person, the Creator of all things, a Being so powerful the very presence of Him could destroy all other things.  And yet I find myself asking - does God bore me?

Its insulting to God that I ask this question and its insulting to me.  Its insulting to me because it implies that I don't really understand the reality of having a relationship with God and the true joy and truth that that relationship should bring.  And yet I claim to be a Christian where a relationship to God is the core of my life.

Despite all this, I still find myself asking this question.  And this morning as I sped along under the streets of the traffic jams above me, contemplating how I emotionally respond to He who holds all things in His hands; I had to answer; Yes I was bored.

The truth of that is not at all flattering - because it reveals the truth of my relationship, or more accurately my lack of connectedness  with God.  In my mind, I know I should never be bored with God, how could I.  And yet my emotional response is one of boredom.  Therefore the only conclusion I can reach is that my disconnect is so immense that I am missing out on the most rewarding of human experiences.

I wonder how I shall respond to this revelation????