In times of darkness we stumble towards the tiny flame.
In times of cold we seek the warming fire.
In times of repression we reach for the lamp of truth.
In times of loss we pray for the comforting light.
In times of joy we light a candle of celebration.
Spirit of Life, as we kindle this light, help us find what we need this day.
-Brian Kiely
I love a messy theology especially at this time of year. Let me clarify, I don't mean a messy theology that is unclear, or not well thought out, but a theology of mess, that acknowledges the complex difficulty of being alive in a world with all its paradox, its diversity, with all of its real life smells and experiences, its troubles and its joys. MLK reminds us, "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope."
And so we sing
Jingle Bells, joyful in our connection to its writer, and to the way we feel like this is the first time it has ever been sung so well. We mix silliness with seriousness, and we express our love and affection for one another. We look for small ways to find joy, especially in the imperfect, the messy.
Where might I step into the messiness of the season?
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