Porridge and Christmas 2026

I was thinking. Porridge is a slang British term for a prison sentence (because that's standard prison breakfast)!. It was the title of a popular comedy sitcom on British TV. As I complete one week of a porridge diet, courtesy of my mouth ulcers, I realize it's been a kind of short imprisoning (so far) which has certainly limited me. Because exhaustion is blamed for the ulcers appearance in my mouth, I have been taking it easy - though no choice really. In Limbo time.

However, I have received a writing commission that I should complete in the next few weeks. It's beginning to nag me. It's scheduled for Christmas 2026. (Yes, I know that's looking ahead but notes for Scripture Union's Encounter God need future planning).  And this is the surprise. The section of Scripture chosen for the days beginning Monday December 21, 2026 is Paul's letter to the Philippians. Did that book immediately come to mind?

It's going to be a prayerful responsibility to see myself as a reader at Christmas time. Context really matters for reading Scripture. Because God encounters us in his living word it is alive and active for every context.  Not that the context ever changes Scripture's timeless truths but wherever or whoever we are its relevance remains sharper than a two-edged sword. The busy days of Christmas fill up our time with activities of every kind. Thinking back to days with a young family, a hectic schedule drove a long list of to do's in order that the celebration would meet expectations (including all the church activities).  Admittedly nowadays the list is shorter. Yet routines of Christmas activity are common for so many readers.

In Christmas routines Paul's letter needs to be heard afresh. Are there particular challenges to which the Spirit seeks to alert me. I shall not trouble you with all that I hope to discover but it will be good to have a sounding board as I try to be a listener truly open to what God is saying. And I'm still on  porridge.