The Silence of New Year's Day

Julian enjoying a fierce Spanish coffee.

What a sleepy morning! Julian has just got up from the lounge to put on a pot of coffee and I'm drifting off again at my desk.

Everyone be silent! God is present and is moving amongst us. (Zechariah 2:13, paraphrased)

What an apt verse for New Year's Day. The streets are quiet, the neighbours are quiet and crowds have dispersed. Of course many are quiet because if they made much noise the hangover headache would get worse. And people are sleepy from staying up late. But whatevs it takes to be still. Because in being still we can more easily contemplate God.

And God is certainly moving amongst us, the people whom he chose to come into being, whom he formed in his own likeness and breathed life into. And for those of us who choose it, God is closer than our own skin.

So settle back on the couch and before you pick up your book or close your heavy eyes, pause for just a moment to say hello to the God in the room.

Topsy Turvy World

The joyous, riotous overflow of splashing water. L by French artist Henri Guérin. R by Indian artisan Raju & myself.

Secularists* don't own society. They just think they do and are being bossy about it. Christians don't own society either, much as some wished they did; nor do people of any religion. We all live in the Kingdom of God, who owns us. So don't be intimidated by those who shout too loudly (whether religious or secular). But listen to your soul's cry for satiation.

Look well at my handpicked servant;
    I love him so much, take such delight in him.
I’ve placed my Spirit on him;
    he’ll decree justice to the nations.
But he won’t yell, won’t raise his voice;
    there’ll be no commotion in the streets.
He won’t walk over anyone’s feelings,
    won’t push you into a corner.
Before you know it, his justice will triumph;
    the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even
    among far-off unbelievers.

(God the Father speaking of Jesus; originally spoken through Isaiah the prophet. Matthew 12:15-21 The Message)

“Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again. 14 But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life."

(Jesus speaking to a woman at a well. John 4:13-14 CEV)

* Referring to non-religious people. Used in a general sense and doesn't refer to the specific adherence to state an church separation.