Merry Christmas

... to one and all!

In my time-honoured fashion, I have left it far too late to send cards and write letters, so this is all you get- nothing to hang up or throw out, just a quick click and a browse through a festive greeting. Like you are really dying to hear about what I've done for the last twelve months.

And after all, what is a blog for if not to keep you up to date? So here on these pages are stories of doubts, triumphs and failure, stuff at church and big band gigs, weddings and holidays (none of the former my own, all of the latter definitely mine), meeting up with friends from past and present, home and abroad, and various kind people's responses to all the above. Feel free to add your own.

It has been a varied year. I'd love to proclaim unfettered joy and success, but that would be untrue. In my forties I find different certainties and doubts, which keeps life interesting. Migraines and depressive patches haven't been as prevalent, and general health has been on the up - could it be that lots of exercise and a healthy diet really are good for you? In church life I am grateful for new colleagues - Gill and Kirsty - who are superb, though saying farewell to Naomi was really hard, and there has also been a new dynamic of spiritual expectancy in healing and teaching. The Furnace at New Wine Cymru was an unexpected highlight of the year. In music, new opportunities keep opening up, notably with the National Big Band of Wales this year, but also with the small group stuff in and out of church. Though I often feel that jazz is most properly a young man's game, & I can only cling onto that by surrounding myself with kids these days & borrowing their energy...

I should say something profound and spiritual: and I think the most profound thing I can offer is this - thank you. Thank you for the friendship of years that this time of year brings to mind. Presents abound, and we give because God gave to us the most precious gift; but for me, in simply human terms, and though we may only share in it occasionally and even then for some of us who live far apart mediated by the wonders of email and internet, the fact that you read down to here says an awful lot about our friendship. Thank you.

Nadolig llawen. Come visit. Peace be with you.