where will you go today?

Okay, I’ve completely exhausted my list of websites-I-visit-everyday and I need more. So, what splendid sites do you surf to on a regular basis?

Christmas 2007

What did it for you this Christmas? Was it the time off work? Was it the traditional food? Was it being in the midst of family and friends? Was it the gifts you gave and/or received? Was it the arrival of a newborn baby or the carol service at the local church celebrating and remembering the arrival of Christ?

Three things did it for me this Christmas. The first thing that I enjoyed this Christmas was the night I was invited to Network at Muckamore Presbyterian Church. It was the first time I’d been involved in such an event in a while and it brought back a lot of very happy memories, running round the country leading praise, praying with friends, having great craic and eating McDonald’s at all hours of the night. Network itself was great, too. Ruthie put together a great band and, without much practice, we gave off a pretty good sound. I was also privileged to hear Rick speak. His message, the sentiments of which can be read here, made me think… and is still making me think! There’s lots I want to say about this subject, but I’d be stealing Rick’s thunder… so I’ll refrain…

The second thing that made my Christmas was finishing “The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical” by Shane Claiborne [AMAZON.co.uk]. For those of you that have read this book you’ll think it strange that it would fall into the set of things that made my Christmas, but it’s true. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s passionate about social justice and new ways of exploring and doing postmodern/”relational church”. Shane’s writing and his ideas are pretty revolutionary but these aren’t just musings from his armchair; rather, he is writing about how he really lives. In his book, he is brutally honest and open with his opinions sometimes (which is a refreshing change from the publisher’s, Zondervan, usual permits). Shane has put new thoughts in my head to be sorted out and, without wanting to be melodramatic, this book has changed and will continue to change my life.

Finally, the biggest thing that made my Christmas 2007 was the time I spent with my family and Judith. Around the dinner table on Christmas Day and Boxing Day; looking like a fool playing the Wii that mum & dad bought the family; sitting on my sofa exchanging gifts with Judith; curling up in front of the TV to watch a film.

Christmas 2007… a happy time.