Ocular Leakage

Scripture

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see − I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.’ (Luke 2:10) 

Ocular Leakage 

My old friend John calls it “ocular leakage”. I welled up with tears at a local Christmas concert while singing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear’s” verse;  

And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way, with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing;
Oh, rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing! 

We all feel the weight of the world on our shoulders in one way or another. It’s not just global conflict, but recovery from surgery, ongoing cancer treatments, extended rehab, declining health which affect us personally or those who care for us. The steps to recovery are often slow and painful. But we live and serve and recover in hope. 

And where do we hear the angels singing? Maybe it is the joyful voices of daughter or granddaughter at a concert. Maybe it is the visitor at a hospital bed or a neighbour or friend who whispers a prayer for you.  Year-round volunteers put food in the hands of the hungry, workers advocate for the homeless and voiceless, physicians and nurses serve in war zones and refugee centres – these are the angels singing for me. I hope you see and hear your own angels bringing golden and restful hours this Christmas. 

Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise I’ll be back in this space January 8, 2024. In the meantime, from all of us at Touchstone, the board, Keri and Susan and me, thanks for your interest and comments and may the peace of Christ be yours this day and forever more.  

A Prayer for Today

God of fear, God of the night,
God of the expectation,
You visited shepherds in the night with songs and sights of joy.
In all of our nights, turn us towards hope, because
hope might just keep us alive.
Amen.
(Pádraig Ó Tuama Daily Prayer With The Corrymeela Community)