The radio’s playing Christmas carols. But perhaps you’re not feeling it. Less comfort and joy; more tired and fed-up. Less ho-ho-ho, more low, low, low. Christmas can be hard. If you’re depressed; or anxious; or alone. If you’ve got money problems; or don’t have work. If you’re alone; or with folks you don’t get on with. If you’re not where you want to be. Or maybe you are – but inside you feel dark. Switch on the television. Celebrities tell us …Read More
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But if it’s not – 1. Get some quality time in with the Lord. I say this, because it’s an area where I struggle. And it’s His birthday. 2. Have an escape plan. If there’s an event coming and you really can’t face it, work out an excuse for leaving early and your route home. 3. Delegate. Sometimes people like to feel involved. (Sometimes they don’t, but that’s just too bad). 4. Ban …Read More
This time 2000-odd years ago, where were Mary and Joseph? Nesting, I’m sure. Clearing a space for their newborn between the animals and the filthy hay. Getting the manger just so. Top quality straw from Mothercare. Harrod’s finest flock. Or perhaps they were still on the road, looking forward to a nice warm inn and a cup of tea. ‘Not long now, sweetheart – hang in there. Nice Travel lodge, just around the corner, I can feel it…’ The truth is, they didn’t follow …Read More
Dad and I are chatting about the new Lord of the Rings film. “Load of old nonsense” he says. “Hobbits. Elves. Talking trees. Fairy tales for kids.” “Dad,” I say. “You love it! You’ve got Game on Thrones on box set. That’s hardly real life either.” He snorts. “Yes. But I don’t really believe it. Some people believe it.” The conversation turned to orcs and banana bread, before I had the chance to respond. But thinking it through, I don’t agree. I think …Read More
Christmas is the time to be merry. Count your blessings. Sing carols, eat pies and banish darkness. But what if you’re not feeling it? What if you’re depressed? Or lonely? Overwhelmed by the prospect of another week, let alone year? What if you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or coming to terms with sickness? Dreading the prospect of time with family? Or far from those you long to have near? What does Christmas say to these people? What does Christmas …Read More
Waddling through the shops, I’m struck by the different kinds of happiness that are being sold. the ideal relationship (jewellers, perfumers. Now think how half of all UK women feel who are single, having never married) body beautiful (sports shops, health foods, the scary witches ladies in Boots who try to make you buy potions serum) family bliss (pretty much everywhere. We don’t, for example, see ads of happy singles chowing down on champers and opening the jewellery they quite rightly …Read More
Right. Forget the Tiffany diamonds, the motion-sensor watches and the Transformer’s Chomp and Stomp Grimlock (google it). Here’s what I’d actually like in my stocking; a godliness app to make me do my quiet times, explain the hard bits, and make jokes when I’m stuck in 2 Chronicles a humour app for when the cats chew through the phone cables, untangling tree lights, burnt turkey and translating Glen’s puns, (or – even better, writing new ones for him) a fridge app to conjure delicious meals from what’s actually …Read More
