I love the people I work with. They're very different, with diverse but interweaving stories that brought them to be sitting around the Christmas lunch table yesterday afternoon. We gathered by the Thames to toast Jesus, eat good food, pull crackers and generally take a moment out of all the work of 24-7 Prayer to be together and laugh. Togger's wrote a lovely thing in his blog about it...
"Sometime during the meal, Carla called down from the other end of the table to suggest we 'raise a toast'. I fumbled around a bit, not really knowing what to say... not really knowing how to express the sobriety I felt in that moment amongst all the fun and laughter and affectionate teasing. I opted, safely, for 'Jesus', to which we all raised our glasses and agreed.
Had I a little bit more courage in that moment, I would have ignored the teasing and said something about my love and respect and gratitude for everyone around that table... I would have looked at each of those friends, one at a time, and said "I love you". And I would have said something about how deeply grateful I am for many of the wider 24-7prayer family, in the UK and so many beyond these shores. Maybe I would have said something about this extraordinary journey we've all become swept up into as well."
I thoroughly agree Mr Togwell. Jesus has gathered us and Jesus leads us forward. Here's to the coming year and all the opportunities to celebrate that are coming our way. As a bit of fun during the meal I went round the table and asked everyone what they wanted for Christmas so if you're bursting to know what Wardy really wants, or how to make Lottie happy this Christmas take a look at this... Download All I Want For Christmas