23 December 2007

Who would think ...?

Well, where did those months go?!

Just 2 days before Christmas, I would like to share with you ...

not my latest rantings about the England cricket team - including the entirely predictable (and predicted!) failures of its "wicket-keeper" -

nor even a slice of humble pie about the extremely successful season enjoyed by the Green Bay Packers - I never doubted them for a moment! -

but just the words of a carol I have especially enjoyed singing this year.


Who would think that what was needed
to transform and save the earth
might not be a plan or army,
proud in purpose, proved in worth?
Who would think, despite derision,
that a child should lead the way?
God surprises earth with heaven,
coming here on Christmas day.

Shepherds watch and wise men wonder,
monarchs scorn and angels sing;
such a place as none would reckon
hosts a holy helpless thing;
stable beasts and by-passed strangers
watch a baby laid in hay:
God surprises earth with heaven,
coming here on Christmas day.

Centuries of skill and science
span the past from which we move,
yet experience questions whether,
with such progress, we improve.
While the human lot we ponder,
lest our hopes and humour fray,
God surprises earth with heaven,
coming here on Christmas day.

John L Bell and Graham Maule, of the Iona Community.

A very happy, hopeful and even humourous Christmas to you all!


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