December2011/January 2012
As Christmas approaches, are you someone who looks forward with excitement or like many is it with a sense of dread? There is no doubt that Christmas can be a very stressful time, especially if you are responsible for choosing all the presents, writing cards, deciding who to invite, where to go as well as producing a meal to remember for the rest of the year. Of course many start planning months in advance so Christmas can be a positive experience and the central meaning is not lost.

There is a well known story in the bible of Jesus visiting the house of his friend Lazarus. Lazarus had two sisters with very different temperaments. Martha who was great at working hard and getting things done, but rather resented Mary who preferred to sit and listen to Jesus talking. When Martha complained to Jesus, he told her she was fretting and fussing about many things, but that Mary's way was better.

In practice we need to be both Mary and Martha, but in balance, so we can celebrate the meaning and spirit of Christmas and still have something to eat! Our planning could involve thinking about ways of making the celebration simpler and sharing the load. Not so that we can be lazy, but so we have more time to be with family and friends talking and listening, and have more time to think about Christmas itself. The amazing Gift of God taking on the vulnerability of a baby without a proper home; being prepared to come and live amongst us, so that we could know him and see His love for us.

Elsewhere in the magazine you will see some of the things we are doing to help focus on God this Christmas. Do come to one of the services or events we are putting on. It will help us think about not only receiving the gift of Christ afresh for ourselves but also being willing to share the good news and spirit of goodwill. Come and join us.