We went to a church right down the street from our dorm that was hosting a Christmas service that they called, "Alternative Carols." Yes. It was awesome. There were hundreds of people there, mostly younger people in their 20s and 30s. The atmosphere was, as Matt said, like being at church camp. Loud music from the band, lots of smiling and laughing, cool lights, the works. We sang several Christmas carols and a few "worship" songs and then a man (who had the same hair as Dr. Walsh, I kid you not) spoke for a short time. His message was fantastic, very anti-religion, pro-Jesus. Which I like. However, his message was not the part of the service that stood out to me. One of the songs we sang was "O Holy Night," a song that I have heard probably thousands of times throughout my life. But tonight, one particular part of the song spoke volumes to me.
Truly he taught us to love one another
His law is love and his gospel is peace
Chains shall he break
For the slave is our brother
And his name, all oppression shall cease
He taught us to LOVE one another. His law is LOVE and his gospel is PEACE. How often do we completely disregard these lyrics? How often do we treat each other with hate and, rather than seeking peace, do we stir up trouble? The slave is our brother. No one is better than anyone else. We are all the same. In his name, ALL oppression shall cease. Then I thought about the Senate's recent repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
*steps up on soapbox*
I didn't vote for Obama. I wouldn't really consider myself a liberal. BUT, I think that this repeal is a step in the right direction. I think the concept of DADT was ridiculous to begin with. I think if someone wants to serve their country, they should absolutely be able to, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. I think if someone is uncomfortable with a soldier being gay, they should probably just get over it. We are all working towards a better future here. I think that DADT was, shall we say, oppression...and a very poor example of love and peace. I'm not saying that I have all the answers. I'm not saying that I exhibit love and peace at all times, because, believe me, I don't. However, I think that all of us should be continually striving towards a goal of mutual love, peace and respect. Because otherwise, we are just screwed.
*steps off of soapbox*
Thanks for reading. :) One other thing...I would really appreciate some prayers right now. Specifically that my flight on Tuesday will be able to leave at 10:15am without any complications or delays. Please pray that any bad weather will hold off until later and that I will be able to go home with no problems. All kinds of craziness has been happening in London as a result of bad weather; airports closing, flights being cancelled, but supposedly, things should start getting back to normal tomorrow. If you wouldn't mind saying just a teensy little prayer for me, I would so greatly appreciate it! Thank you!
Merry Christmas, friend.
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