<<BACK
Taken
from the December 2005/January 2006 parish
magazine.
Wrist bands seem to be the thing of the moment but it can get a bit
confusing knowing what the different colours mean. I like the
poster campaign with a picture of a baby wearing a yellow
band with the
motto, “ MAKE CHRISTMAS HIS STORY”. It is
so easy to miss who Christmas is about.
We each have our own ideas and experience of Christmas: for many it is
very positive with times of fun and celebration with family and
friends, for others it is a time of loneliness, debt and
despair. Sadly it is known to be a time of increased domestic
violence and suicides.
It
can help to remember who Christmas is about: Jesus the creator and Lord
of the universe, coming as a vulnerable baby to show us what love is
and the meaning of life. Who by his cruel death and glorious
resurrection has given us resources to face the realities of
life. We can be set free from our mistakes
of the past
through forgiveness. We can experience strength for today and
hope for the future. There is an ever growing number of
people whose lives are transformed today through a relationship with
him.
Jesus would also encourage us to look out for others, especially any
who struggle at this time; and to show his love in practical ways.
We are living in times of increasing spiritual awareness. More people
are aware of prayer and the presence of God. Christmas is a
good time to ground this spiritual searching in the story of
Jesus. One practical way of doing this that we find helpful
as a family, is to have an advent candle. Each day, at a meal
when we are all together, we light the candle and take the time to
think about Jesus.
Please come to one of our church celebrations, HIS STORY could just
make your Christmas.
Rev W Henderson
