One of the reasons Christmas has had such a powerful hold on
the human imagination is that it is just so incongruous. “Lo, within a manger lies, God who built the starry skies,” as the 19th
century Christmas hymn puts it. Over the centuries, the surprising and
unexpected story of Jesus' birth has been met with equal parts wonder and ridicule. The
idea of God coming in the form of a poor Jewish peasant baby is either the most
magnificent story ever told, or the silliest thing in the world.
A Northern Nativity, William Kurelek, 1976 |
Christmas reminds us that God simply defies our expectations. We think our “theologies” have God pretty well
pegged and then something happens that we just never saw coming.
This truth was expressed profoundly by the largely self-taught Canadian artist William Kurelek, who suffered from schizophrenia and produced some of his best work while being treated in a psychiatric hospital, and who, 40 years ago, published A Northern Nativity, his iconic depictions of the Holy Family appearing in various Canadian locations -- a fisherman's hut, a barn, a garage, an igloo.
"If it could happen there, why not here?" Kurelek asked. "If it could happen then, why not now?"
This truth was expressed profoundly by the largely self-taught Canadian artist William Kurelek, who suffered from schizophrenia and produced some of his best work while being treated in a psychiatric hospital, and who, 40 years ago, published A Northern Nativity, his iconic depictions of the Holy Family appearing in various Canadian locations -- a fisherman's hut, a barn, a garage, an igloo.
"If it could happen there, why not here?" Kurelek asked. "If it could happen then, why not now?"
This element of unexpectedness touched me recently when I across maybe the best description
of the essence of the Gospel message, and therefore of Christmas, in, of all
places a mystery novel – The Private
Patient by P. D. James.
And so I leave you with these words to ponder in this season
of perplexing wonder:
“The world is a
terrible and beautiful place. Deeds of horror are committed every minute and in
the end those we love die. If the screams of all the earth’s living creatures
were one scream of pain, surely it would shake the stars. But we have love. It
may seem a frail defence against the horrors of the world but we must hold fast
and believe in it, for it is all we have.” (The Private Patient, p. 395)
Merry Christmas.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteJust catching up on your posts here. Enjoying them very much, and finding them inspiring. Keep doing this! Your friend in Christ, Glen
ReplyDeleteHey Nice Blog!!! Thank you for sharing information. Wonderful blog & good post. Its really helpful for me, waiting for a more new post. Keep Blogging!!! Saheli Bridal Point is one of the best makeup artists in Meerut. They offer stunning makeup services for weddings, parties, and special occasions.