Although this may be a quiet week for the clergy and the Vicar may be on leave, it is a busy one for the liturgical calendar.
Today is St Stephen's Day. Good King Wenceslas and all that. We might recall Steve's vocation to service as a deacon and the importance of good administration and care for the poor and lonely even amidst our festivity.
His martyrdom urges us to live not for this world alone but to look to the well done of the risen, ascended Christ.
He helpfully gives us a review of Biblical history as pointing to the coming of Christ and beyond.
Christmas week, then, quicky embraces Easter and the eschaton too.
John, Apostle and Evangelist gives the week a cosmic scope and also focuses us on the life of Christ. We have have heard John 1 read a number of times at Advent and Christmas services, but it is worth reflecting afresh on the depths and implications of it, as well as on gospel, epistles and Revelation. Maybe love of Christ might be said to be a key note of what we can learn from this beloved disciple.
The Holy Innocents confront us with a grim reality and drive us to prayer. We see here that the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdoms of this earth are not going to be on friendly nodding terms without radical repentance and transformation. Again, the cross stalks the manger. And we cry "Come, Lord Jesus!"
And though 1170 was a long time ago, if you are an Anglican or a Brit, Thomas Becket brings matters even closer to home. What of friendship? And final loyalties? Maybe we too will find a serious life's work and a cause worth living or dying for.
And then, of course, on Sunday, it will be back to the Celebration of Christmas, and like every Lord's Day, Resurrection Day!
Merry post-Christmas week!
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