Like many, my reaction to fireworks is to stare dumbfounded (although pet owners will also know of their ability to frighten some animals to the core). The New Year’s Eve London Fireworks always bring surprises and this year’s display in front of a full crowd for the first time since the starting minutes of 2020 were hailed as ‘London sending a message of love and unity to the world’.
Following a year in which there was much news of conflict and abuse of individuals as well as appalling statements by pundits in the press and on ‘social’ media, the message of the music used was more poignant than ever. Some of the song titles provide a clue: You’ve got the love; Show me love; How deep is your love.
Paul writes: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
I’m well aware that doesn’t describe my every moment and that I’m capable of being grumpy. To ask myself the question ‘How deep is your love?’ is challenging and this Epiphany hymn brings up mixed emotions in me, often making me feel inadequate.
Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness
of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:
truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,
these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.
Perhaps I also need to listen to Florence and the Machine and realise that it’s not about me but where I can find that strength.
Sometimes I feel like saying “Lord I just don’t care”
But You’ve got the love I need to see me through
Jeff Claxton
