On a recent shopping trip, I noticed that there were displays for Hallowe’en and the beginnings of Christmas items for sale in the shops. I have to admit to buying Christmas cards whilst on holiday, but that was purely for convenience – from the RNLI shop in St Helier. It is easy to get caught up in the atmosphere
and start the thought process of what we might do on these occasions – decorating our homes with the paraphernalia associated with these events.
Of course, I am planning for the seasons of Advent and Christmas as there needs to be some kind of thought as to the content of these important Christian seasons. There are the usual regular events, but however consistently they arrive in the season, there is always something to be gleaned and learned from
the carols and readings with which we are most familiar. The story remains the same, but the application to our lives changes and develops as we follow the path of life’s journey, and we gain more experience as Christ’s disciples.
As we approach the busyness of the coming seasons, I hope that we can reflect longer and deeper on how we live, what needs refreshing and what in our lives needs changing in order to live as Christ would have us live by following his example. Our lives, along with the lives of many people across the world, need the peace of Christ and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As Saint Paul tells us, there is no law against these; but they bring us true happiness and fulfilment.
With love, prayers and God’s blessing.
Revd Graham
