Christmas in Australia
Christmas in Australia does not feel like Christmas at all - summer weather - no family (yet). Do you hear what I hear? Outdoor carol singing is popular. They love Jingle Bells. We gathered with 30,000 people by the Torrens River one hot evening for “carols by candlelight.” Do you see what I see? pine trees? Gum trees, palm trees, and roses… falala! Where are the bows of holly andWhat does this holiday mean? Celebrate baby Jesus’ birth. Do you know what I know? I don’t think so. Not sure about it this year. Do we have it all wrong with the snowy Christmas carols and sleigh bells ringing? The actual event, the birth of the babe, was in an arid climate.
Our ceramic nativity set at home is a desert scene. Palm trees and sandstone surround the stable. Mary and Joseph figurines lean over baby Jesus in the manger. Fraser’s name came up at the Sacred Heart Christmas raffle when he was just 3 years old. I remember the chuckles as everyone in the hall watched Fraser’s small arms reach up to take the prize. Father Bullock was shaking his head with that warm wonderful smile. This scene etched in our memory, makes us realize the love of Christmas is eternal when you keep the story alive. Fraser, Xan and Keara set up that manger scene each year. The shepherds and wise men wear white chips from hours of little fingers arranging and acting out various versions. What does the story mean to them now?
A church inspires a bond of fellowship and holds you to a place. Sacred Heart Parish, Gloucester was closed due to the horrific child abuse scandal in the Boston Archdiocese shattering our community traditions. This was part of why we felt free to take a sabbatical in Australia. Our kids left for college, our dog of 14 years passed on, and our sacred Sunday ritual of coffee and donuts after the 8:15 Mass vanished. Changes can be freeing, but usually involve sacrifice.
Yesterday at a South Australian winery, we met the vineyard dog, “Rodney”. A curly coated retriever, like our “Mocha”, he resembles a black sheep. Patting his wiry liver colored coat and connecting with his gentle eyes grounded me. You are attached to the stories of your youth. What you cherish helps determine the meaning of your continued journey.
Keara is finishing her architecture degree in Oregon. She and Gus enjoyed being Santa’s elves aboard the Polar Express again this year. Fraser and a friend from St. Michael’s College join us here for a traveling holiday to Tasmania. Xan’s new job in Cambridge means he lives at home in Gloucester. Maybe Xan will find the ceramic nativity set, maybe not. The electric light bulb shining from behind the stable always intrigued Xan as a kid……
Do you know what I know? Xan, Keara, and Fraser are discovering their interpretation of the story Jim and I shared with them.
Listen to what I say! Pray for Peace people everywhere…The Child… The Child sleeping in the night will bring us goodness and light….
Pondering these questions, living in a renovated 1850s sandstone stable, waiting for Fraser to arrive, even missing all I know and love, Christmas in Australia is beginning to feel like Christmas after all!
We hope you hear interesting messages from the night wind in 2007.
Merry Christmas! Love, Lea and Jim
Our ceramic nativity set at home is a desert scene. Palm trees and sandstone surround the stable. Mary and Joseph figurines lean over baby Jesus in the manger. Fraser’s name came up at the Sacred Heart Christmas raffle when he was just 3 years old. I remember the chuckles as everyone in the hall watched Fraser’s small arms reach up to take the prize. Father Bullock was shaking his head with that warm wonderful smile. This scene etched in our memory, makes us realize the love of Christmas is eternal when you keep the story alive. Fraser, Xan and Keara set up that manger scene each year. The shepherds and wise men wear white chips from hours of little fingers arranging and acting out various versions. What does the story mean to them now?
A church inspires a bond of fellowship and holds you to a place. Sacred Heart Parish, Gloucester was closed due to the horrific child abuse scandal in the Boston Archdiocese shattering our community traditions. This was part of why we felt free to take a sabbatical in Australia. Our kids left for college, our dog of 14 years passed on, and our sacred Sunday ritual of coffee and donuts after the 8:15 Mass vanished. Changes can be freeing, but usually involve sacrifice.
Yesterday at a South Australian winery, we met the vineyard dog, “Rodney”. A curly coated retriever, like our “Mocha”, he resembles a black sheep. Patting his wiry liver colored coat and connecting with his gentle eyes grounded me. You are attached to the stories of your youth. What you cherish helps determine the meaning of your continued journey.
Keara is finishing her architecture degree in Oregon. She and Gus enjoyed being Santa’s elves aboard the Polar Express again this year. Fraser and a friend from St. Michael’s College join us here for a traveling holiday to Tasmania. Xan’s new job in Cambridge means he lives at home in Gloucester. Maybe Xan will find the ceramic nativity set, maybe not. The electric light bulb shining from behind the stable always intrigued Xan as a kid……
Do you know what I know? Xan, Keara, and Fraser are discovering their interpretation of the story Jim and I shared with them.
Listen to what I say! Pray for Peace people everywhere…The Child… The Child sleeping in the night will bring us goodness and light….
Pondering these questions, living in a renovated 1850s sandstone stable, waiting for Fraser to arrive, even missing all I know and love, Christmas in Australia is beginning to feel like Christmas after all!
We hope you hear interesting messages from the night wind in 2007.
Merry Christmas! Love, Lea and Jim
posted by Jim Lea at 4:10 PM
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