Phil Wyman: Dim Saesneg

Advent December 11th: Saint Peris’ and Saint Cian’s Day
Luke 2:1-7
God often will give you a partner in your mission

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Missional people are often dreamers. Dreamers are often trouble-makers. Not that they mean to be – it just happens. That is, they dream of things others are uncomfortable with, or not ready for. They are instigators of change. Mary did not mean to cause trouble. Trouble just happened to her, because she was the bearer of the Messiah. Joseph, had a dream, which convinced him of the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy, and in his faithfulness to Mary and to God he followed through with the marriage. Mary was not left alone to raise Jesus. God will give you partners in life to walk with you through your labors. The missional person will often be a dreamer, but God will give even the dreamer partners in their “foolish mission.”

December 11 is Saint Peris’ and Saint Cian’s day. Saint Cian was the servant to Saint Peris who founded Llanberis in Caernarfon, Wales. The two are celebrated to together. There is a sacred well of ffynnon Beris in front of a cottage named tynyfynnon on the slopes of Mount Snowdon. Two fish were kept in the well, and people came to the well for healing. If a fish appeared while they drank from or bathed in the well healing would be successful it was said. The tradition of keeping two fish in the well lasted until the 20th century.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for not leaving alone in my passions. Thank you that there are people who feel as I do, and are willing to walk with me through this mission in life. Like Mary and Joseph, like Saints Peris and Cian, someone will be there in my time of need, and offer a supporting hand. No matter how lonely I have felt, no matter how difficult the path has been, You will place supportive people in my life. May I be capable of knowing who my real friends are.