From Rev Roger Powell December 2009

Christmas 2009

I don’t know about you, but I love Christmas. The carols, the atmosphere, the Christmas cards, the presents! It saddens me, however, to see how we allow the preparations to start earlier and earlier each year. It is so important for us all to try and resist the continuing commercialism which has become typical of the Christmas season.

Just think back, how long ago was it that you first saw the Christmas decorations going up in the shops? The television adverts continue to entice us and we feel under pressure to spend more than we can afford. All of this continues until Christmas Eve when the signs in the shops are changed to ‘Sale Now On’ and the television adverts are all about summer holidays. This in many ways has become the new Christmas tradition.

In all the mix of partying and jollity it can be so easy to forget why it is that we celebrate Christmas at all. We forget the true value and meaning of Christmas. God loved us so much that He gave us His only son that all who believe in Him might have eternal life.

God gave Jesus to be born as a small defenceless baby, dependent upon Mary and Joseph for protection and nurture.

This is the beginning of the Gospel story; at the end Jesus speaks of the Last judgment and tells us that the way we treat others, protecting and nurturing them will be regarded as the way we treat Him and that we will be judged accordingly.

Throughout our lives we need to take seriously the urgent need to prepare for our encounter with the living God, in our neighbour, in our worship and, ultimately on Judgement Day.

Why not break with tradition this year and come to church!

A warm welcome awaits you!

I wish you and yours a very blessed and peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.

Fr Roger

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