Perspective

As I thought about the differing versions of the Christmas story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke as discussed by Carman recently, I began to think about perspectives. (you can find that blog here.) Last year I was injured and unable to play my usual “old timer’s” hockey. When playing, the game seemed fast and challenging for me as a goalie. Then when I was confined to the role of “spectator”, somehow the game took on a whole new perspective. It was neither fast nor was it as challenging from that perspective. (No wonder we don’t have fans!)

This change of viewpoint has given me pause on many occasions and caused me to try to see the world from the perspective of others. I am particularly impressed with the special Christmas efforts of Hamilton’s “Blue Christmas” and Barrie’s “Purple Christmas”. Are they not seeing our holiday season from a different vantage point and thus providing a much-needed ministry?

I need to work on my perspectives. Whether it is the single, aging adult whose world becomes smaller and self-focused or the young families with their busy schedules and not attending church activities, there are many viewpoints that differ from mine, which I must take time to consider.

The Master teacher was constantly calling his disciples to see their world and their community members from a different points of view. Whether tax collectors, outcast women or thieves beside him on the cross, he loved, forgave, healed and reconciled.

As we come to the end of another year and approach a new one, may we seek out new perspectives and do so with the Mission of Christ in our hearts and minds.

Doug Bolger

Straight

Today I drove straight down Victoria avenue and back--that's right straight both ways! It's been months, maybe years since that has been possible! Our town has been, still is, experiencing a great deal of construction work. We've benefited hugely from the infrastructure stimulus spending of the past year or so. So much so that it has been virtually impossible to get from here to there without navigating through detours, around construction sites, heavy machinery, flag people, teeth-shattering potholes or huge step-downs or step-ups between levels of asphalt pavement dips and rises.

You know that sign "Expect delays" ? Well we did, and we do. It isn't over yet as relatively mild weather makes it possible for several projects to just keep going.

Nevertheless, some things are getting finished! Our Stevenson & Speedvale intersection was completed in time for Mission Conference. The hospital corner at Delhi and Eramosa is open, with some cosmetics to be completed--according to the sign that tells passers-by "We're working on our inner beauty."

We have many of these comforting signs as our city administrators have hired a public relations firm to put these messages of encouragement in the midst of a city torn up and making our driving life miserable.

All this is a long story about what I set out to share. As I was driving down this newly paved and smooth thoroughfare I was singing to myself that wonderful song from Handel's Messiah Comfort Ye My People especially the parts about the crooked straight, and the rough places plain...

This time of Advent, this season of waiting, may feel like a city under construction. So many rough places, so many crooked ways, so much to do, such a long time to suffer without comfort. And yet we wait.

Sitting in a detour or awaiting release from a traffic delay we might be muttering grumpily about what we should be doing, could be doing, ought to be doing. Or we could be reflecting in this moment of grace, provided freely with nothing at all to do but wait.

Advent is meant to be a time of reflection, of meditation and self-examination. It lasts four weeks for good reason. Sometimes it takes that long to shake us out of our normal habits and attitudes. Advent comes at the darkest time of the year. We, with Handel, may spend some time in the writings of Isaiah, remembering that even in our times of exile God is with us, remembering us even when we forget.

Be comforted. But don't be in too big a hurry. The way will be made straight, the rough places plain in God's good time. Slow down so you don't rattle your bones.

Posted by Marion