As we enter December, we enter the season of Advent which leads us to Christmas. This is followed in the New Year by the season of Epiphany.
This time of year can be very busy. For many it brings excitement and joy, while for others it can give rise to stress and heartache. All too often the search for the ideal or perfect gift for loved ones along with the planning of special celebrations and meals can distract us from the true focus of Christmas, which is to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. It is in celebration of this greatest of gifts that we exchange gifts on Christmas Day. Some countries, though, celebrate and exchange gifts 12 days later on Epiphany, remembering the visit of the wise men to Jesus bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
This year my first sighting of Christmas cards, gifts and wrapping paper came in July. At one time the various seasons would be distinct and Christmas goods would not appear in the shops until bonfire night and fireworks were finished. It seems now that commercial pressures distract us from remembering what Advent and Christmas are about.
Please do not think I have become a grumpy old man in my retirement! I love Christmas and all that comes with it, especially the celebrations and the enjoyment of both giving and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time when we are to show each other good will and share love, happiness and joy and when we can reach out to those who are struggling to hold onto hope.
in his novel "The Keys of the Kingdom" A. J. Cronin tells the story of a compassionate and humble priest who is sent to China to maintain a mission. He comes face to face with desperate poverty, civil war, plague and is met with hostility from his superiors. At one point the writer describes hell as “that state where one has ceased to hope”.
Day after day in the news we are confronted with the stories of people living in war zones such as the Gaza strip, Lebanon and Ukraine. Situations where children and families are caught up in conflict and violence, where they have lost all hope and must feel that they are in hell on earth.
Nearer to home people may be struggling to hold onto hope as a result of homelessness or poverty, cruelty or neglect, constant pain of mind or body.
As we enter the darkest days of the year the Church keeps Advent, a time of hope and joyful expectation.
As we journey through the days of Advent, we’re invited to watch and wait for the promise of light and hope, bringing to God our longing for peace and justice throughout the world. Recognising our failings let us ask God to change us and help us to reach out to touch others with his love.
At Christmas may we celebrate with joy the time when Christ entered our world as our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, we give thanks for the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future.
I hope that you will have a good time this Christmas as we remember the coming of the Christ child. We would be delighted to see you at one of the Christmas services.
John Underhill