THE POWER OF LOVE

The Splodz Blogz Christmas Message 2024

“I believe that one fine day, that the power of love will rise above the love of power.”

This lyric is from the song I Believe That One Fine Day by Alison Burns. It’s an upbeat and happy song that was inspired by a quote from Jimi Hendrix: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Ali Burns adapted this quote into a catchy and fun round, making it a great song for singing and improvisation.

We had fun singing the round at my work carols by candlelight service earlier in December, and it’s been securely ingrained as an earworm ever since. And while I know it’s not exactly a Christmas song, as I’m sure my chaplain does, I do think there’s something here that provides an appropriate two-minute outdoor-related thought for the festive season. Bear with me…

The Love of Power

Let’s face it, “I believe that one fine day, that the power of love will rise above the love of power”, is acutely relevant as we come towards the end of 2024. This year (once again) seems to have been full of stories of people and organisations who relish power over all else. Whether your mind thinks of wars, elections, business deals, crime, or something else, the love of power really has been dominating the narrative.

Wouldn’t it be nice if it was the power of love that was the story?

The lyric serves as a reminder of the potential for positive change through love and unity (which is 100% a Christmas message!). It calls for a shift in values, where the wellbeing of others and the strength of our relationships are held in higher regard than influence or supremacy. It’s a message of optimism and a call to action for each of us to contribute to a more harmonious and loving world.

In the Outdoors

For those of us who are passionate about spending time outdoors, the lyric can be interpreted as a reflection on the natural harmony and balance found in nature. Just as the wilderness thrives when it’s respected and nurtured, our human interactions flourish when guided by love and compassion rather than the desire for control or dominance.

Imagine the peace and contentment you feel when hiking through a serene forest or gazing at a tranquil mountain lake. That sense of harmony and balance is what the lyric is advocating for in our everyday lives. It encourages us to prioritise kindness, empathy, and acceptance. It’s a call to foster relationships and communities that echo the same harmony we seek in nature, ensuring that love shines through.

Nature teaches that everything is interconnected and interdependent. In our lives, we can prioritise building strong, supportive networks rather than focusing on power or competition. We can lead by example, by demonstrating the power of love and positive actions over the pursuit of power, both within and beyond the wilderness.

There are flaws in my little Christmas message, I know. You only have to watch one of David Attenborough’s many television documentaries to know there are power struggles in nature. And I am all too aware that concentrating on the power of love in our own lives is not going to stop the wars, make politicians tell the truth, or prevent crimes (etc…).

The Power of Love

But love can, you know, feed the hungry and help the hurting. It can show where truth is being told. And it can put bring joy to our own lives and to the lives of others. Here’s to creating a ripple effect of kindness, understanding, and unity, much like the natural harmony we experience outdoors.

May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with peace and joy, and may your outdoor adventures continue to inspire and rejuvenate you in the coming year.

I’ve been sharing my annual Christmas Message (here’s another you might like) with ‘thoughts on living well at Christmas’ such as these since I decided that if the Monarch and Prime Minister could have an annual Christmas speech, then so could I… It’ll be back to my normal outdoor adventure and random life posts next week!