25 years and counting

So we are closer to Christmas and I'm thinking - what is this really for? Every year people have much to say about commercialization of this event, and of the need to focus on the really important things.

Nothing changes really. Nutty spending and insane eating. And carols turned into instruments of torture.How depressing really.

And then I got a CD today from an OP shop. Yes we have these lovely places where you can explore people's pre-loved stuff. Such a great recording of carols. Not jingly or tingly and so forth. And our little Christmas tree is up - giving a pretty feel to the place. I am beginning to feel like Christmas could be fun after all. The cards are going up on the wall (rather than me climbing it) and I like the feel. The memories. The sounds and smells.

And tonight we had a great Pastors' Christmas celebration. I really do value my colleagues from other local churches. When I listen to their stories - I know it's not me. The stuff that goes down - well it's happening all over the show. I am normal! (Waves of laughter peal out across the continents...)

And tomorrow - after listening to some really great stories of how challenging this vocation can be, I think I may celebrate my 25th anniversary of ordination with some degree of decorum and a huge amount of gratitude.

Gratitude to God for keeping me doing what I do as a pastor. Humility as I realize I know so much less than I thought I did. Joy as I think of the people who have come to faith or grown in faith through my efforts over 25 years.

I will celebrate the day tomorrow night at a Presbytery service welcoming a Korean church into the Presbyterian family in Takapuna. It started at a Presbytery meeting and will be celebrated 25 years on at one.

The gratitude also involves the wonderful men and women of the congregations who have had me as their minister through these years and the boys of Scots College where I spent five years as a Chaplain. Such good things learned and discovered about myself. And about God's amazing love and grace.

And of course I have a wife and family who have bravely followed over these 25 years. Not an easy thing being a pastor's wife and of course PKs. Thanks family!

So wherever you are and wherever you end up this Christmas, spare a thought for those who faithfully work over these days to help congregations and gatherings around the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus the right way up, as it were. This is not just a time for a boost to the economies of the world. It's a time to remember that we are a visited planet. Christ was born in Bethlehem. Knowing Him now is the best thing in my funny old life. I have known him for so long now. He has never failed me. May I remain faithful too.