The Officer’s Blog
This month our Officer’s Blog is provided by Major Kathy Woodhouse
Major Kathy
Kathy writes…….
Just before Christmas I decided to read again a novel entitled ‘The Christmas Mystery’ by Jostein Gaarder, a Norwegian author. The Daily telegraph said it was ‘compelling reading’ and The Times described it as ‘..a skilful and lasting achievement, with all the elements of a perfect Christmas tale.) I enjoy it because it brings together, almost
seamlessly, a world of fantasy, of spirituality and of longing.
For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about (probably the majority!) Gaarder tells the story of a young boy who acquires a rather tatty looking Advent calendar. Things are not what they seem, however, and as the calendar comes to life, the boy is transported through centuries, across countries to Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus. On the journey he is accompanied by, amongst others, shepherds, wise men, angels and sheep.
In this 21st century, we are not fond of unanswered questions. We search for truth and certainty and, I believe, miss out on the excitement of waiting for the mystery to be revealed.
One of the key characters in the book says, ‘Something that is mysterious for one second is often quenched like an empty oil lamp in the next. Yet, if only we turn our heads in another direction, a new light may be lighted there. For we cannot take in what is sacred in the same way as we pick up a stone from the ground and put it in our pockets. Angels float down unseen, they don’t fall into the middle of the market square.’
Paul, writing to the church in Rome says, ‘Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.’ (Romans 11: 33-36)