It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

So, a month has passed since I last wrote — how did that happen?? It’s been busy. Lots of work writing, lots of illness, and a trip to New York in between. Oh, plus I’m now a certified Myers-Briggs practitioner. Busy times.

New York was fabulous, as always. I ate at Babbo and stayed at the Palace. What’s not to like? While there, I saw the new production of Godspell at Circle In The Square. I’d seen Jesus Christ Superstar at Stratford two weeks earlier and, given that they are both revivals of 1970s musicals about the life of Jesus, it’s hard not to compare. Jesus Christ Superstar was a much slicker production and I preferred the music, but Godspell was such a tremendously energetic production with such talented performers that I found myself being drawn in. I loved the intimacy of the theatre-in-the-round setting and it was interesting being able to watch other people in the audience and see their reactions: at times, people were very moved, as was I. The production tried to reflect current sensibilities and it seemed as through it might veer toward being irreverent, but it pulled back and was able to get away with more than I thought they could because it all seemed to be done with the right spirit. At intermission, as an example, they invited everyone up on stage for dancing and communion (yes, communion) and it seemed like exactly the right thing to do. Contrast that to the tourists in St. Patrick’s Cathedral who were taking pictures of each other making faces in front of the alter or mugging for the camera beside the nuns. My critical side came out as I tried to light a candle amidst all of the people pushing in for a cathedral photo op and I found myself thinking “Jesus died for this?” It’s the second time in six weeks that a theatrical production felt more reverent than being inside a church. Hmm.

I’ve also been busy reading. I picked up a copy of Joyce Meyer’s Living Beyond Your Feelings. I like Joyce Meyer, which always seems to surprise people (that I’m a Christian often surprises people too – apparently I’m just full of surprises.) I listen to her podcasts (alternating with 100 Huntley Street) when I do my daily walk-run on the treadmill (yes, I realize that sounds annoying) and I like her style. Although televangelists are not my usual cup of tea, I like that she is a very strong woman in an environment where women sometimes seem to act as the window dressing (if we are lucky we might be able to minister to small children, but really it’s best if we apply lots of lipstick and smile.) I like that she believes she has personal responsibility for her life, with God’s help, and offers practical tips to live one’s faith. I also like that Meyer is honest about her own shortcomings – her critical nature and bad temper and tendency to be harsh (I’d have liked to see her reaction to the tourists in the cathedral – bet she’d have set ‘em straight) – and shows how her relationship with Christ has been helpful. It’s the same reason I like Anne Lamott, even though I really can’t see the two sitting down for supper. (If they do sit down for supper, however, I’ll pay really good money to be there.) Anyways, it’s a really good book about living a more purposeful life and not getting blown hither and thither and yon by your emotions.

So, other than that, we are preparing for Christmas. I’m reading to my kids about the Christmas story, and watching lots of Veggie Tales, and reading J.R.R. Tolkien’s delicious Letters From Father Christmas, which is something I used to do as a child. It’s all left the kids slightly confused; they had an argument in the car the other day about Santa’s relationship with Jesus and the role of Polar Bears in the nativity. (Alas, according to Jim Coyle, they are not alone in their confusion.) Perhaps we can get it all straightened out on Christmas Eve as we’ve identified a nice church that offers a family service. They don’t have kneelers or a pipe organ, but they are friendly and welcoming and have an enthusiastic teaching minister and that is worth a lot. I’m done my shopping (yes, also annoying) so I can spend the next couple of weeks relaxing and enjoying my family and consuming 30 pounds of shortbread and counting my blessings and thinking about what the season really means and how to better incorporate the gift that is Christ into our lives.

 

 

 

 

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