Yesterday, here in Toronto, despite all the predictions of snow and rain today - snow came down in the form of tiny pellets. Enough to bring a little Christmas-like atmosphere. I left for the evening service with carols on the radio, basking in the glow of being ready for once and looking forward to the worship. The news came on - the street I normally travel to the church closed both ways because of a car accident; three major arteries closed for the same reason. Several people hurt and in hospital. Four men dead because of a faulty scaffolding which collapsed under them. The Christmas song died a little. Too many people rushing to finish last-minute things, too many businesses and companies which push people to work right up to the last, and don't take the necessary care. It takes all the "Christmas" out of Christmas.

I can't help wondering, once again, why there is always such a rush. Yes, I know it's a major holiday; yes, I know it's the one time of year when many families get together to enjoy each other. But some families will surely not be enjoying this Christmas now. In the midst of all the rush to spend, the pressure to give, the commercial push to make money, Christmas is really lost. For those people injured or killed in car accidents, many people's lives will be completely changed.

At church, the youth were rehearsing their play. There were candles around the room, the Christmas decorations lovely, people smiling and laughing as they gradually came in to get prepared. The service was moving, the young family lighting the candles beautiful, music and singing energetic, and the youth were just amazingly good. I came home singing carols again. "That" was Christmas.....and I heard angel songs last night....in the service, in the car, in the sky. The angels  really do sing, still - if we slow down, look for what is really most important, and take time to listen.