Spirit Breaks Through

O Come, Desire of Nations

“O Come, Desire of nations, bind

in one the hearts of all humankind.

Bid thou our sad divisions cease,

and be thyself our King of Peace.”

Christmas Carol: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

This is the final verse of the Christmas carol, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” I had occasion to sing it twice yesterday; at my church, accompanied by a grand piano and an organ, and last night, at Railroad Park downtown. The band in the Park is an eclectic group of singers and musicians who play banjo, viola, drums, keyboard and guitars. They hold a contemporary service every Sunday evening at Cathedral Church of the Advent here in Birmingham. Last night, the weather was cold, so everyone was bundled up, covered with hats and gloves and blankets, but the singing was robust, and I simply could not be still. I had to move to the music. I think it was something about that banjo plinkety-plinking out this 13^th century hymn, and the fact that all around us, folks were out walking dogs in the park, children played and trains rumbled by in the background. It was pure Americana, pre-terrorist attacks.

In that crowd, for that length of time, no one worried, everyone sang out loud, and the joy of the season overtook weeks and weeks of paranoia and hyper-vigilance. It was an experience of a thin place, where the distance between heaven and earth disappears for just a little while. They happen now and then, just to let us know we're not alone. It is as though Spirit sends a message encapsulated in an ordinary moment, “I'm still here! I am with you.” In the Genesis story, Jacob experienced a thin place in a dream in which angels ascended and descended a stairway to heaven. When he woke, he said, “Surely, God is in this place, and I did not know it.” Last night, God was at Railroad Park, and I did not know it.

I hope this Christmas week, you experience some thin places where your joy is unsuppressed. Moments when your feet dance without permission, and your heart is filled up with the Light and Love of life.

                                                                  In the Spirit,

                                                                       Jane