Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Guest Post - A “Way” in a “Lodge of Broken Bark”, by Rev. Hollis Hiscock

 

Please welcome my Dad - Rev. Hollis Hiscock -
as today's guest blogger!

Dad is currently serving as 
Interim Priest-in-Charge at St. John's Anglican Church, Burlington.

This is his Christmas letter to the parish, and to all of us:



A “WAY” in a “LODGE OF BROKEN BARK”

The above sentence brings together two of my favourite Christmas carols
with an inspiring message for our COVID-affected world:

describes the birth of Jesus in its original setting - 
in a manger in a stable in a distant country.

describes the birth of Jesus in its adopted setting -
in a lodge of broken bark in Canada.

In both carols, the lodge and the manger 
have deep spiritual symbolisms. 


The lodge and the manger signify new life and new beginnings.
God has entered humanity, responding to age old pleas to have mercy and save people from sin. 

The manger and lodge became the launching pad for Jesus and his Gospel of good news ministry. 

The lodge and manger, for the fragile baby Jesus, turned out to be His place of comfort and security from physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental assailants.

The manger and lodge were and are a gathering place for all people of every nation, age, and value system, where they can encounter unity and find a sense of purpose. 

The lodge and manger provide a source for basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, protection, companionship and much more. 

The manger and lodge - physically or figuratively - become the place in our lives to which we can return periodically to refocus, to restart, to reappraise or to be “born again”.  


This Christmas, think about the manger and the lodge
and their place and meaning in your own life.

Also, think outwardly to other lodges and mangers in God’s world where people walk or gather to be fed, find shelter, receive healing, and feel safe, and how you can respond to God’s presence in God’s world. 


Let me suggest a Christmas exercise for you to do:

Firstly,
form a cradle by placing one hand on top of the other.

Secondly,
reflect on these words:

“Come, kneel before the radiant boy, who brings you beauty, peace and joy.”
(‘Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime)

“Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.”
(Away In A Manger)

Thirdly, repeat several times,
“Come into my heart, Lord Jesus! There is room in my life for You.”


May this Christmas bring our own lodges and mangers
into a heightened relationship with God
 and grow into new journeys and realities with other individuals in the coming year.


And on a personal note:

Helen, our family, and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From, Hollis




4 comments:

Ron Leonard said...

Thank you for sharing this message by your father Rev. Hollis Hiscock, very meaningful indeed.
Merry Christmas to you and your family from me and my family
.

Anonymous said...

What an inspiring Christmas message. Thank you Hollis. Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Revent Hollis, may you and your family celebrate and enjoy this blessed season. Merry Christmas to All.

Allison Lynn said...

Thank you for your kind comments, everyone! Merry Christmas!