Have you got an Advent Calendar or Candle this year? Yes, we are approaching that time again when we begin the countdown to Christmas. I guess the children have been practising their singing and acting in order to present their nativity plays, and with each passing day they are getting more and more excited. It certainly is a time to be thinking about what we will all be doing in a few weeks. Cards written, presents wrapped, invitations sent out to the people we are hosting for Christmas – or maybe you have to reply to the invitation you have received.
It is a time to consider our generosity to others as we begin to form our present list, for those we are going to give to, as well as the things we might like to receive in our Christmas stockings! When things are at their hardest for those who struggle daily, it becomes even more difficult for them as they try to provide as best they can for the celebration of Christmas. Personally, I like to use it as a time when I give as much as I can to the charities I support.
Christmas is a time when we remember the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. The gift presented to us in Jesus Christ offers us the chance to live as God would have us live, and part of that is to give of ourselves and what we have. As we count down the days with our calendars and candles, I hope that we can consider the plight of others, be they our close neighbours or those we cannot see, but hear of through the media.
May God bless you through this season of preparation that is Advent.
Rev Graham
