End of the Nativity Fast

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 26 December 2007 01:58:21

Well, we made it. I really did feel quite satisfied eating salad at BBQ's by the 24th. I'm munching on some gingerbread house for breakfast, complete with icing and lollies. I felt a little guilty eating chocolate and turkey yesterday. It just didn't seem right. The whole feasting thing felt quite indulgent.

On the way to lunch I saw a lady sitting near the shops who looked like she may have been homeless. Did I stop? No. Because I was running late for lunch. Three bible stories suddenly became very real to me, and they're the ones that put me in the wrong. The Good Samaritan, the man feasting in his big house while a poor man begs at his gate (the rich man ends up in hell) and where Jesus welcomes people to heaven who have clothed him, fed him, visited him in prison, whenever they have done these things for others. Faith without works is dead. So what kind of Christian am I? A bad one. Prayers for that lady.

Strangely, while thinking Christmas lunch indulgent, I also didn't think it felt right to be eating turkey, and turkey alone. We never had turkey growing up. We always had ham, and chicken or pork. Having only one meat just didn't seem right. It's amazing how important traditions are when it comes to celebrating.