St Johns with St Barnabas

Here we are in December; Christmas is coming, no matter what! I don’t know how you are feeling, but I do know a lot of people are worrying about the future, if not about paying the bills right now. I hope if you are worried you have someone to talk to - it’s imperative we get through this time together, supporting one another where necessary.

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Christmas is a time of course when we think about not only enjoying ourselves but trying to bring festive cheer to those who may be alone, unhappy, or just needing a helping hand. For many people, not necessarily Christian, it is also a time for presents, parties, carols, Christmas trees, fairy lights etc. warmth and love.

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When I was younger, I would often begin listening to carols in October. You may recall one of my sons was eager by then to begin decorating the house for Christmas. He told me on Sunday (November 13th), the decorations were going up next week (19th November) - I think we have both improved slightly!!

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Preparation is all part of the fun for many of us, and the singing of carols stirs the true spirit of Christmas in our souls. Needless to say, I am not someone who saves the singing of carols until Christmas Eve!! I do however love to listen to Carols from Kings, often on television on Christmas Eve. Many of these Carols that have become part of the tapestry of our every December, (or even before), are woven into our hearts and minds, passed down the years as they herald the timeless Christmas message.

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Jesus entered the world in all the fragility of a newborn baby. Christmas is about His presence, and He is the greatest present we can ever receive. In receiving, God becomes present within us.

It may be that this year we have to cut back on gifts, but we already have the greatest gift within us, God himself.

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Mark my footsteps good my page,

Tread thou in them boldly

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I know this is of course about Good King Wenceslas, but we worship King Jesus. As we tread in His footsteps let us rejoice in His presence and thank God for the greatest present the world has ever been given.

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I wish you all a Happy, Joyful Christmas in His presence.