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 “I'm going fishing . . . . . . . . . .”


This Christmas I asked a friend, an old philosopher and theologian we’ll call Ole’ Hook Bill, for guidance. These are his words:


“For Christians this time of year evokes reflections of that first Christmas. Of course we are privileged to have a detailed account of the birth of Christ in the Bible. Something else caught my eye as I reread probably the most quoted chapter in the Bible, the 23rd Psalm. You will remember the words:


"The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want,

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

 He leadeth me beside the still waters.


I have just realized that my old friend’s pseudonym, Stillwater Slim, has its origins in the Old
Testament. Small world!


Back to Christmas! Flowing from that first Christmas we find ourselves fascinated and inspired by the countless numbers who have followed the teachings of Christ. The first followers were His disciples, including Simon Peter. Shortly after the resurrection a memorable encounter took place between Peter and Christ. Peter said to Christ and some of the other disciples: "I'm going fishing." And the reply from Jesus and the other disciples: "All right, we'll go with you." I point this out so that the next time you declare: "I'm going fishing", you will be following in the footsteps of some pretty notable figures.


Arguably the best book ever written on fishing, The Complete Angler, was penned by Isaac Walton over 300 years ago. What many don't know is that this prolific writer was a devout Christian. Listen to the preamble to his Will:


"And first, I do declare my belief to be, that there is only one God, who hath made the whole world, and me and all mankind; to whom I shall give an account of all my actions, which are not to be justified, but I hope
pardoned, for the merits of my Saviour Jesus  ......"

 Here’s a sample of Isaac Walton's poetry:

      " I care not, I, to fish in seas,

Fresh rivers, best my mind do please,

Whose sweet calm course I contemplate,

And seek in life to imitate:

In civil bounds I fain would keep,

And for my past offences weep.

The first men that our Saviour dear

Did choose to wait upon Him here

Bless'd fishers were, and fish the last

Food was that He on earth did taste:

I therefore strive to follow those

Whom He to follow Him has chose.”


Like Walton, “I care not, I, to fish in seas, fresh rivers, best my mind do please.””


Merry Christmas!

Ole’ Hook Bill & Stillwater Slim

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