The Fifth Act: Birth of Jesus

Saturday 18 December 2010

Birth of Jesus

Adoration of the Shepherds ca 1655 Bertolome Murillo ( 1618 - 1682 ) Spain.

The significance of shepherds and the folk from afar - Babylon? recognising the importance of this particular Birth was and remains profoundly important. There are no signs of divinity in this painting. It is the birth of a child. The Word became flesh and lived among us and we seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth
Matthew records this birth fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah .. God is with us.
Note the political realities of the situation. A king is born .... challenge to Herod and to Caesar. The Birth of Jesus is both wonderful news and confronting news.
Political Dynamite.

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Introduction

Several themes will reoccur in this site, with each post labelled with a theme. The Journey is one, Words and the Mystery of Words is important. Jerusalem is more than just a name. The Resurrection of Jesus is crucial. Relationships connect with most - by the nature of things. The writers mentioned below are important not only for the books they wrote but a relationship that developed as I continued to read their books. There is a definite place for MUSIC. The impromptu Jazz Concert on Junee Station at two in the morning; Reg Livermore's three hour performance; the bagpipes of the Black Watch in the Theatre Royal Lithgow; the introduction to Stamitz and Schutz from the footpath outside Palings on George Street Sydney; The music of the film "As It is in Heaven"; the choirs at the Billy Graham Crusades, the enjoyment I had in the various choirs to which I belonged. The music about which Chaim Potok writes, BUT that for another day with suitable preparation! I am not certain about the preparation but in "Two Songs are Sung" that music is revealed.

MUSIC and CONNECTIONS

Bach and Schutz - The Gospel passions, Matthew and Luke by Schutz
Carl Stamitz - Clarinet concertos. .. excellent sound
Church, School & College Choirs -Lithgow and Bathurst
Doch Gipsy Orchestra in October 2007 at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Jazz on Junee Railway Station at 2.00am I was a passenger on a train
Jerusalem Quartet - Hayden
Les Miserables - as musical: a magical event in London on the evening before returning home. A cloud floater experience
Mozart's Piano Duets
Palladian Ensemble - an Excess of Pleasure
Reg Livermore - three hours of musical drama
Schutz - Musikalische Exequien
Sissel - the gift of love
Welsh Choirs - Morte Christe, Pererin Wyf and Mor Fawr Wyt Ti
Yes, ABBA to be included

PICTURES, PAINTINGS, FILMS & IMAGES

Random in a way - Magritte; Derain; Icons; Visits to Queensland Art Gallery - William Robinson; the National Art Gallery in Canberra - every visit has provided something special for both Jocelyn and myself; the surprise delight at Sydney of "Golden Summers": the challenge of Rick Ball and Chris Neild who over four Saturdays in Springwood provided an invitation to an Aesthetic Journey. Recently the Swedish film - "As It Is In Heaven" proved a wonderful, joyous experience. Both as a cloud floater between Brisbane and Singapore, then as a complete screening with Jocelyn in Brisbane.
Katrina and James have photos to show of them, their doings and the people they meet. They are important to us.

POETS SPEAK

Crafted words speaking into universal need.

A fellow apologised for writing long emails ... he did not have time to write a shorter one!

Exploring the Mystery of Words.

The poet writes ... can we ... do we .... read?

The poet speaks .... can we .... do we ... listen?

The challenge of ambiguity, of nuance.

There is a gain in appreciating the beauty of language. We had students from the past visit our home. The sound of Kadazan spoken there was a sound of beauty.

There is a caution in translation.

The place for metaphor and the practical necessity for Parable. Tom Wright suggests that there is a story to be told so great that it requires Parable to tell it... rather only Parable could tell it.

SILENCE

One of the mysteries of Word; the gap in conversation; the margins around every page written; the silence in relationships.

Shusaku Endo's book "The Silence" demands attention.

As does Helmut Thielicke' "The Silence of God"

The unsaid word in every conversation and encounter.

There can be great cruelty in silence as many a child knows.

We expect word written, word spoken .... BUT ..... The Word became flesh and dwelt ... among us. Now that is disturbing... confronting and .... immeasurably comforting.

The Fifth Act

Saturday 18 December 2010

Birth of Jesus

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About Me

Introduction

THEMES

Archive

MUSIC and CONNECTIONS

JERUSALEM

JOURNEYS WELL TROD

JOURNEYS LESS TRAVELLED

PICTURES, PAINTINGS, FILMS & IMAGES

POETS SPEAK

CONNECTIONS

SILENCE

WRITERS TO READ

Family Connections

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