Christmas reflections

Christmas Eve we attended midnight mass, it being dry and not too cold for once outside, and was very warm in the church with about 80% full congregation. A very good service with some delightful music, Smiths Mass setting and a Tavener piece to inspire the soul. The sermon was forgettable but caused me to reflect upon those times this last year when the plight of others had been brought to mind by personal experience or witness of occasions. Two such events of contrasting, but by no means less meaningful, were respectively in Edinburgh and Chengdu. The first was the return parade of "the Scottish Regiment" along the Royal Mile. We stood outside the City Hall atop the hill and heard the bagpipes from the bottom of the hill gradually becoming louder as they ascended with the marching troops. As the soldiers passed the Brigadier and Sheriff they gave the salute. We were very moved by the sight of these battle worn men recently returned from Afghanistan and could see the battle stress in their faces. The column of troops was followed by one of their soldiers in his wheelchair.
The other event was at Chengdu Station in Sechuan Province, China where we alighted from the train and found hundreds of young soldiers on the platform with lots of gear waiting to go to Tibet. The Government had brought their parents to see them off and would transport them home subsequently.
To serve in Tibet is considered an honour as to be picked for duty you need to be very fit so that you can endure the harsh conditions and rare atmosphere in that part of the World. These young men are also facing the unknown and their families fearful for their safety and anxious about their returning home one day.
We have not yet been to Tibet but hope to in 2009 or 2010 if we have time. There is a new train service from Beijing to Lhasa taking about 4 days through very spectacular scenery which we would like to try along with two Chinese friends.
Anyway, these memories came to mind whilst at mass and reminded me of others who need us to include them in our prayers.
May your Christmas be peaceful and Happy.