Assembly
This is an assembly which Simon will present at DHS in the run up to Christmas. This is part of “Time for Reflection” in Schools. These can be described as events which provide the pupils with an opportunity to reflect on the invisible qualities which make human being more than simply the physical senses. They should be events which everyone can participate in, with integrity, whatever their religious views
Connections
The Theme for this year is “Connections”. This is a rough text that accompanies the presentation linked to here
One of the introductions to the Christmas story describes Jesus as “The Word”. It talks of a message sent from heaven to people living in the mirky world of human life on earth. This messenger isn’t Jesus though, this messenger is John the baptiser. He isn’t the one everyone was expecting. He is just the one getting things ready.
This story is told by another John, the evangelist. He goes on to say that the one who came is called Jesus. He is the light, the conversation between God and creation that has has been going on from the beginning, and is ongoing through out all of space and time.
This is a story about connecting. It is about relationships.
The theme to reflect on is inspired by this.
(but if everything else drifts past. Please remember this message. If you feel alone or isolated – reach out. If you need time to yourself, try and get it. Those who care for you will understand eventually. You are loved).
Who are we, what do we want, how do we find connections?
Who are you?
We are all individuals. It is straightforward to think of ourselves as bodies in a room. Like lots of atoms bouncing around, and occasionally being organised to get together, assemble, and do something together.
We are all unique though! Not simply circles “cookie cut” and stamped out. We have private lives, individual desires, and even if you ask one person who they are several times in their life, you will possibly get a different answer each time.
What do you want ?
If you imagine people in this way, then it is easy to think of relationships as something that people have between each other. Connections become something what can be made. We see something or someone we are attracted to and then seek it out!
Perhaps this is like imagining particles like wee marbles. Then in science when you study molecules you think about how they are connected with bonds. Some particles are attracted to other ones. When bonds break things fall apart.
Connections
However, when you think about atoms later on in science you learn that they are made up from many sub atomic particles, or even waves that behave like particles. Pictures that describe atoms as wee marbles work to help explain things, but atoms are actually more complicated.
If you look inside a personality you find that people are made up of many things. For example what you do every day, what you do for fun, your secret desires and public activity.
Many of these activities also involve relationships with other people. The personal part of you is only a small part of the big picture of who you are. This is different for everyone! Perhaps no one is an island, but some people are like peninsulas.
What if connections are not just something we make – but they are also what makes us who we are? Our friends can help remind us how to be the best we can be. Our family and those closest to us can keep us solid when everything seems to be falling apart. When someone is no longer with us, they live in the stories we tell and the memories of the people who knew them.
So back to the the Christmas story. The story can be told using simple language. In science lessons you learn about how atoms bind together to form molecules. The are pictured as wee marbles. Bonds are connections between them. Similarly you could think of human connections between individuals as things to be made and broken. The christmas story can be told as a desire to make, or remake, a connection that has been broken.
If you continue to study science you learn that while it is not wrong to imagine atoms as wee marbles in some settings, things are actually much more complicated. At this time of year Christians will also tell more info depth stories.
Remember that God is always here, like light. We just need to recognise it. The connection is as much a part of life for us as oxygen, not so much something to believe in – but the Way, the faith that helps us exist.
Perhaps you will find it helpful to reflect on this too. To what extent are connections something you make with others – and how much are they a recognition of how other make us? Even our enemies.
Enjoy your holidays. I hope you find it meets your desires – and that you get time out if you need it.