Spirituality, christmas, and cyalume sticks: The pastoral-liturgical identity of a Navy Chaplain

In a time when the Church is seeking to understand contemporary spirituality and “fresh expressions” of religion, a Navy chaplain’s pastoral and liturgical experiences on a warship can challenge us to rethink and reframe how Christmas can be an encouragement to and a provocation for the ensemble of faith. Using Gordon Lathrop’s methodology of juxtaposition, this article explores how a Navy chaplain becomes an integral part of the theological conversations between the seemingly secular and sacred aspects of Christmas experiences. By examining the rituals, activities, and conversations surrounding Christmas icons at sea, a flow of ideas and relationships is discovered that enables us to be stretched in how we view ourselves, others, and God. Defining who the faithful are may even become more inclusive. Invariably it inspires new expressions of faith as well as consolidating longstanding proclamations.