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Dear all
We enjoyed a Scottish themed service on the last Sunday in January, which of course brings Rabbie Burns to mind. Burns’ poetry is rather earthy, and inspires many emotions – raucous and bawdy sometimes, incredibly romantic (am I the only one whose een well up to “Ae Fond Kiss” or "Red, Red Rose"?!), with many astute social and political observations, tragic and comedic. I’ve heard him described “a connoisseur of the human condition”.
When I read Burns in a Christian context (especially "For a' That and a' That"), it often leads me to reflect upon Christ’s humanity, illustrated throughout the Gospels. He “became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14). He was tired, thirsty, hungry and weak at times. He also marvelled at the world, enjoyed friendships, celebrated and feasted. He laughed, wept, and everything in between. John Calvin said, “Christ has put on our feelings along with our flesh” – He was fully human, sharing our human condition, understanding the human experience.
When we read the stories about Jesus in the Bible, which reveal the divine nature and show us how to live Christ’s way, we can remember that understanding of our humanity. We are not expected to be perfect all the time! We are called to do our best, in the good times and the bad, and know that God loves us throughout it all.
Much warmth
Gillian