Today marks two dates that have significance. It’s the anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, when two ships collided in the harbour and of course, had a huge impact on Dartmouth as well. I just learned that St. James housed some of the relief workers in the lower hall. It’s also the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre where 14 young women engineering students were murdered by a man ‘fighting feminism.’
It’s also St. Nicholas’ Day! Nicholas rose to prominence among the saints because he was the patron of so many groups. By about 1200, explained University of Manitoba historian Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus: A Biography, he became known as a patron of children and magical gift bringer because of two great stories from his life. In the better-known tale, three young girls are saved from a life of prostitution when young Bishop Nicholas secretly delivers three bags of gold to their indebted father, which can be used for their dowries.
This past week marked the end of the ceasefire in Israel/Gaza. We’ve got the ongoing war in Ukraine. We’ve got a housing crisis like we’ve never seen in this country. We’ve got people living in tents, more or less on our doorstep. I could go on… How does a weary world rejoice? I rejoice in socks! Robin is sitting on top of 147 pairs of warm socks that will help keep some folks warm this winter.
The theme this week is We Allow Ourselves to be Amazed; the scripture reading is Luke 1:57-66 and I’ve been pondering amazement all week and wondering if we have ceased to be amazed at anything? What amazes you?
This week has been stuffed full of so many things… meetings, Advent Study Group, planning a clergy retreat, updating the website, creating some promo, deciding on a series for January, working on multiple bulletins, choosing hymns, writing notes and signing my Christmas letter (only a few more to do!)
It’s going to be a busy weekend with Christmas Magic on Saturday, I hope to see you there!
St. James United Church Dartmouth 