We publish a Parish Magazine 4 times a year and in each Magazine there is a letter from a member of the ministry team. Here is the Christmas 2010 edition from Phiippa:
As preparations for Christmas begin, we have already been besieged with Christmas catalogues and brochures for all manner of companies and charities. (I'm writing this in late October).
Although there is much to deplore about being bidden to shop early for Christmas, when before half term is over Christmas lights and decorations have already taken over shop windows and websites, I have to confess that the child in me still enjoys much of this commercial seduction although some of the charm will undoubtedly have waned by the time we reach Christmas Eve.
Sitting with my nearly three year old daughter perusing the Early Learning Centre Christmas Catalogue; I asked her what she was looking for. 'The Baby Jesus' she replies. Well, I said, I'm not sure if you will find him in there.
Quietly smug that my daughter knows a little about the real Christmas story (and so she should I hear some of you say), I also wonder how many of us are looking in the right place for our Christmas inspiration.
We can spend an awful lot of time rushing around finding the perfect present, the most suitable cards, good food for a delicious meal and yet without all of this busyness, Christmas will still happen.
The perfect Christmas has already happened, the birth of Christ - the first Christmas.
As the Christian Church marks the Birth of Christ we are minded to remember what an impact a child can have in our lives. A child is not just celebrated on the day it is born, it continues long after.
As a relatively new parent I know how much effort goes into their lives, their wellbeing. Nor are our efforts perfect, but we try so hard to do what is best for them. A relationship takes time to form, it takes perseverance.
So it is with Christmas and our relationship with Christ. We can enjoy Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration, a time of thanksgiving, a time to be generous. But it is only part of the story. The child Christ is a small part in a very big picture. We can grow and learn with Christ as we follow in his footsteps from birth to resurrection, that we may grow with Christ and in Christ.
What do we strive for in all the busyness?
Are we looking for a way to re-connect with the joy and excitement of the greatest gift given to humanity, Jesus Christ?
With every blessing for a Happy and Holy Christmas.
With love and blessings, Philippa
Philippa Segrave-Pride