We’re in Advent, and this season brings three strong images to mind for me – waiting…light…and pantomime…I know, I’ve got some explaining to do.
Waiting and light…because that’s what we’re invited to do in this season, to wait. To wait in these long December nights for the one who is full of light. To wait in eager anticipation for the day Christ gives the birth of new life into our hearts. This season highlights times in our own lives when we’ve lived through the struggles, the toil, the darkness … and eagerly awaited the coming of Christ’s presence in our hearts: waited for the everlasting light to come with his illuminating power and cast away our darkness.
..and pantomime – well I use to be a comedian (..well at least some nights) before coming to seminary and this was the season when I had the privilege of being part of a production that created joy and brought happiness into people’s lives for a couple of hours of escapism. I miss hearing those families laugh, from children to parents to grandparents. It was a great sound. And I believe laughter is a glimpse, a foretaste on earth, of the happiness and overwhelming joy God has in store for us all in heaven.
So if I can be so bold in my conclusion… waiting, light and pantomime… at this time we yearn for the one who gives us indications along the way, to reveal his presence and coming as the everlasting light! And if he sends us signs that reveal he is the everlasting light, then he must surely send us signs to reveal he is everlasting joy! Which reminds me, I must go see a pantomime…
Frankie Mulgrew
5th Year Seminarian
Diocese of Salford
Frankie, when I was here in ’69 we put on the pantomime Mother Goose for the students in the Northcote, there were over 100 at that time, and at Fr Hudsons Homes in Coleshill for the children. I was Jack…and that is all I can remember Father!
Thanks so much for this post, Frankie. You’ve given so many points to reflect on, and captured the essence of what this precious season of Advent holds for us.
There are plenty of pantomimes that you can go to see but they are not real. I think they are a reflection of the values that are passed on to us through our faith. They are an ‘old fashioned’ escapsim that remind us of our childhood and so much of what we feel we would like to hold onto to keep us safe.
As you point out, however, the only real safety net is our faith in Christ that we may find in the light….. so no need to go to see a pantomime, everything you need is with you right now.