The Sounds of Babel

I have issues.  This is not new to those who know me well.  I am usually riled up about something.  Apparently this year, it’s Christmas.  But not in the way you may think.

It’s not that I am disinterested or Scroogy about the holidays.  As I write this I am listening to Handel’s Messiah.    Yesterday, I wandered the bookstore and was truly delighted when I found a few titles that I just KNEW were perfect for a few people.  But for some reason, this year I seem to be ever resistant to embracing the season JUST BECAUSE EVERYBODY ELSE WANTS ME TO.

Last week the priest at mass used the analogy of finding out one had 4 weeks to live to encourage the congregation to embrace Advent for what it truly means. I was appalled at the macabre analogy.  I know what he was trying to say, but couldn’t he find a more cheery way to encourage us?  This week my own church began an Advent study that focused on the “treasure of darkness”.  The tones of the 1^st chapter were more like Lent than the joyous season that is upon us.  Where was  my inspiration for the season??

I have found some in the attached song.  "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQjpDKKPDK4&feature=player_embedded

 I can take no credit for finding it – my pastor played it for our Advent study group. It’s the slowest version of this song that I have ever heard – and it makes it so that one can’t help but pay attention to the words that in all these years I have never learned.   Take a good listen.  I found it incredibly soothing – almost like a lullaby.  And ironic given that in this season we are encouraged to stay awake. 

I have found focus on the following lyrics: “And ever o’er its Babel sounds, the blessed angels sing”.  Many days, I feel we are truly back in the tower of Babel.  There is a veritable cacophony of noise in our face 24/7.  All the demands of the world telling me what I need to make the most of this wonderful season.  This year, I am going to try more than ever to ignore the chaos, and just listen for that sound of the angels singing over us…