On the third day of Christmas ...

Since Apple have put aside their Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway this year I thought I would have to do something too redress the gap left by them: Day Three ...

The (Western) Church
Celebrates the feast of St John (the Evangelist - the theologian - the Divine)
Him what has a Gospel and some letters and Revelations.
It's Him what (as the Evangelist) has an Eagle as his symbol and this is often said to be the reason for the design of many of the lecterns - as the place from whence the word goes out into the world!

The Western World
Continues generally unabated with its sad affection with crime as the body of Father Gregorio Lopez was found near the Mexican city of Ciudad Altamirano. Fr. Lopez accused the drug gang 'Guerreros Unidos'* of the kidnap and murder of 43 young people (something few see to have been affected by in this country) in September and it is this group that many suspect to be behind the killing. He is the third priest to have been killed this year!

* United Warriors

China
Apparently Christians are still coming in for attention from the state as reports of crosses being torn down and congregations tear gassed. The number of those who have made Christianity a lifestyle is, according to some, as large (if not larger) than the number of those in the Communist party itself - and this is obviously seen as a bit of threat.

So much of a threat it seems that the authorities are enforcing rules forbidding minors from engaging in any religious practice in an attempt to put an end to stop Christian organisations working with those under the age of 18 whilst 'requiring' local legislatures to work with this age group to spread an atheist message.

So Christians are still spreading the word, making a stand for what is right, and being opposed.

Hallelujah or what?

Something to listen to

and for those who like something a little older in style'

Merciful Lord, cast your bright beams of light upon the Church:
that, being enlightened by the teaching of your blessed apostle and evangelist Saint John,
we may so walk in the light of your truth that we may at last attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your incarnate Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.