Haiti

I first became aware of Haiti as an 11 tear old in 1974. They were a country that I'd never heard of, who qualified for the world cup in West Germany that summer. I discovered that apart from being bad at football, the country was half an island in the Caribbean. I have since discovered that it ranks as arguably the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. The country became independent from France following a slave revolt in the mid 1800's.

As you must be aware, the country was hit by a powerful earthquake last week. Since then the situation has worsened by violence caused in the main by escaped gangsters, from the collapsed prison.

It is easy to think that whatever I may do, it will not make a difference. This is wrong. Every long walk is started by one small step. I would urge anyone who can to pray into the situation in Haiti. I would also urge you to consider giving a donation either via the Government's central relief fund, or via an agency such as Tearfund.

As they say in the Tesco adverts - Every Little Helps!

Super Badger

If you are on Facebook you should be using Superbadger. Run by Tearfund, it gives an easy way to “badger” different people via email about particular issues. It literally takes a minute to put your name at the bottom of an email and send it. I’ve had responses from government ministers, Tesco, Starbucks and more. It does get through, especially as most of the “badger” requests get done by a thousand or so people.

Imagine if that became 10,000. Or even 100,000. It wouldn’t be that difficult – please can you sign up to it and get others to do the same? If you’re on Twitter then follow Superbadger there as well.

I've stolen the above two paragraphs from Chris Fox's blog, but would reiterate that this a good and easy way to make a constructive difference. I read Chris's post in November, but did nothing about it. Super Badger was is mentioned in the latest edition of Idea, the quarterly magazine from Evangelical Alliance. I decided that it was time for me to sign up. I joined via the link at youth.tearfund.org

Get badgering.

Resolutions

I have never been one for making new year resolutions, as they are easy to make, and even easier to break. There are lots of things that I should resolve to do something about. I could do with losing a fair bit of excess baggage, which would involve eating a bit less, rather than necessarily healthier, and exercising a bit more. I could be a "better" father and husband, by trying to be a bit less me centred and have more patience. I could be a better Christian, by praying more effectively, and by reading my bible in more depth.

All of the things mentioned above, and more, I could do, but would probably fail. Why? I am an expert in both theory, and in trying to do things in my own strength. These alone will lead to failure. I need to rely on God more, and truly expect Him to keep His promises that are given to us in the bible. He alone is the giver of life giving strength. If I ask Him for help, He will freely give it. My life does not then become an easy ride, free from struggle and pain. Far from it! Life though, in partnership with God, is a life worth living, and I pray (not resolve) that I may trust Him more this year.

I hope and pray that as we start this new decade, that God will bless your lives as well as mine.

Happy Christmas

One of the Christmas hits that I remember from my formative years is Mary's Boy Child by Boney M. Whereas it has all the hallmarks of 1970's cheese all over it, it does contain the simple gospel truths of Christmas. I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas.

Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord Lyrics

Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day.

Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible said,
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day.
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

While shepherds watch their flocks by night,
they see a bright new shining star,
they hear a choir sing a song,
the music seemed to come from afar.

Hark, now hear the angels sing,
a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore
because of Christmas Day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
there were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace".

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
there were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace".

And then they found a little nook,
in a stable all for lord
and then a manger, goldened up
Mary's little boy was born.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
there were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace".



Oh my Lord, You sent your son to save us
Oh my Lord, Your very self you gave us
Oh my Lord, That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more

Oh my Lord, when in the crib they found Him
Oh my Lord, A golden halo crowned Him
Oh my Lord, They gathered all around Him
To see him and adore (this day will live forever)

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
They had begun to doubt you
Oh my Lord (He is a personation)
what did they know about you
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
they were lost without you
they needed you so bad(the light was shining on him)

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
with the child's adoration
Oh my Lord (He is a personation)
there came great jubilation
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
and full of admiration
they realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)

Oh my Lord (Oh praise the Lord)

Fairytale Of New York

Whereas the words of this one are not necessarily full of Christmas cheer, I have always loved this song. The emotion put into it by both Shane McGowan and Kirsty McCall is immense. Enjoy The Pogues...

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Three days to Christmas, so three very different Christmas songs for you. I will start with Bruce Springsteen and his excellent E Street Band. Have always loved this version of the song, especially the saxophone solo. Enjoy...

Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord

Traditionally the season of Advent has been used by Christians to prepare themselves for Christmas, by listening to God in a deeper way than normal. Must admit I have always struggled to do this. It is based on the time of preparation in the gospel story used by John the Baptist to prepare Israel for the coming of Jesus. The Flow blog of a friend of mine used this song a few weeks ago, and it has stayed with me since. It is taken from the 1973 film version of Godspell. The film now looks very dated, and was set in contemporary New York City, but the words are as apt today as when first used two thousand years ago.