Is it me, or do the years start to roll by quicker than they have before. My induction into the church feels like yesterday, but here we are in December already. As I am writing this (on the 12th of November) I have already seen Christmas Decorations up in houses. It feels like the Christmas Season starts earlier and earlier each year.
But I am never fully prepared, doesn’t matter how early the preparations have started, I can’t see this year being any different. But it is different in another way. This year I am spending it in this Church, with you. It’s a place I never expected to be at this time in my life, but I am thankful of the opportunity.
Christmas is a differing time of year for everyone. So much on out TV screens and all the adverts are about happiness and meals and presents.
For so many people Christmas is a confusing time as we navigate loss in our lives and reflect on those empty spaces at the table. It’s right to remember, it’s right to feel the love that we have for others. They should never be forgotten.
But at its essence, Christmas time is a time for everyone, the lost, the hungry, the hurting, the bereaved and yes, the happy. To be able to see past the hype of Christmas at the shops, to the Christmas at the crib.
Which is about hope and togetherness. Where the outsiders are being asked into the warmth of the stable to witness the babe in arms, where hope, love, and acceptance live, and everybody is welcome.
That to me is the true meaning of Christmas.
With Christmas comes New Year, and all the change that brings. And, the New Year’s Resolutions. How many have been broken over the years!
As a church what will our 2025 be? What is in store for us?
I believe that the church has a powerful witness in its history and its future. I believe we have something to offer our city, our community.
There will be no resolutions from me, because the same hope of the Christmas story is with me into the new year. We don’t need to make promises to do something different. We need to have hope in Jesus to make us something different.
I believe 2025 will be a year of change for the better.
God bless.
Your friend and minister,
Alan
0 Comments