Christmas always seems to come around quicker than we anticipate. Even though it happens at the same time each year, there are times when it sneaks up on us without any warning. As it descends it brings with it the busyness of the season. Amongst the school productions, planning for meals, seeing relatives, decorating, sending cards and buying presents, we may find ourselves needing five minutes peace.

In the busyness of Christmas, our thoughts may also be drawn to a world that is in desperate need of peace. Whether it be the continuing war in Ukraine, the fighting that now ensues between Israel and Palestine or our own troubles with grief, loneliness, illness or something else. We may long for five minutes peace.

In the midst of darkness, trouble and busyness stands a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for a bed. On that night all those years ago, as light broke through the darkness, bringing hope to the world, peace descended. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…and he shall be called Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). God entered the busyness of a stable, the busyness of family life and through that greatest of all gifts, love, stillness and peace were given.

At Christmas, God continues to offer that everlasting gift of peace, joy and love. It is a free gift for all. Our prayer is that in the midst of everything this Christmas, you may find God’s peace and that you may enter the joyful wonder of this season. We invite you to join with us in any of our services as we celebrate God’s wonderful gift of love this year.

Rev Duncan Hutchison

Associate Priest, St Philip and St James Church