A Christmas message
There's more than one side to Christmas (2 minute read)
Every time I think about writing a Christmas message, I think about those for whom Christmas is a difficult time – this year more than ever. Many people are facing difficult and uncertain personal circumstances in New Zealand and around the world. In areas of conflict, from Sudan to Haiti, Gaza to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine to Myanmar, there is unimaginable suffering. Worldwide, there is so much which seems to be deteriorating – the climate, democracy, human rights – and it’s hard to imagine these improving in the immediate future.
At this time of year, there are always a lot of joyful messages. However, these sometimes make assumptions which aren’t true for everyone. This is a time of year which is hard for many, when people feel loss, absence and isolation more keenly. So, I can’t send this message out without acknowledging all that suffering.
I’ve chosen a few images which show the beauty of the natural world, but also represent some of the struggle and suffering.
This viciously spined stem is a type of citrus. It doesn’t grow edible fruit, but it’s tough and resilient. It’s used as a rootstock for edible citrus, and without it we wouldn’t have oranges, mandarins, grapefruit or limes.
It’s not obvious from this picture, but this flower is less than an inch across, and the whole plant is less than an inch high. It grows high in the New Zealand mountains, and this as big as it gets. But it’s perfect as it is.
The brown and grey crusts on this rock are two different kinds of lichen. These are from the Utah desert, but lichens are found around the world in habitats too harsh for other species. I love lichens because they are made up of two different living things living together in cooperation – fungi and algae. Each species is a unique combination of fungus and alga.
Because I’m in New Zealand, I couldn’t do a Christmas message without including some pōhutukawa. It’s not much, but it’s 100% human and it’s for you.
I wish you all the best for this holiday season, however you are spending it.
Reading this after listening to King Charles Christmas Message. He too would endorse your words if he was not constrained by his job. The hugs he enjoyed from the BlackFerns was a highlight. Will look for your posts in 2025 and beyond hopefully
Ngā mihi maioha! I have so enjoyed your posts this year and look forward to more of your interesting, informative and thoughtful posts in 2025! I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas, down amongst the plants!