Saturday, 20 December 2008
Christmas Thoughts for 2008
Another year is over, and it has been a mixed one for many, what with personal issues, and some of what we have heard on the News. It is hard to take in that Christmas is once more upon us!
"So when does Christmas actually come?" I will always remember Nicholas Vesey asking us that question at the start of his sermon at the Midnight Communion at St. Augustine's Church in 2004. it is almost more challenging to us as Chistians than it is to non Christians. For those of us who work in retail, Christmas comes earlier and earlier, with all the shops bedecked in fairy lights and decorations by mid October! for Schools, it all comes as soon as Bonfire Night is over, and teachers are up to their eyes in organising bazaars, parties and nativity plays.
It is so sad to remember that the true meaning has become totally lost by commercialism, and so it becomes a less than relaxing time for many, with the "season of Goodwill" concept becoming a joke! It is a season of stress for those of us in retail and the postal service, and a season of greed for those who are only interested in money, food and drink! In my workplace, trade is tough this year, and the effects of the credit crunch are obvious, but people are still buying. It will be interesting to see how many failed Christmas presents come back on Boxing Day THIS year!!
For many, Christmas is "really just for children" as it's all about new toys and Santa Claus, and schools and nurseries do nativity plays but simply brand it as a "nice little fairy story" with too much emphasis on Baby Jesus, and the children don't understand that he grew up to be the greatest person that has ever lived!! Before i was a Christian, I worked as a Nanny, and i used to share in the wonder and excitement of the children in my care that santa was real!!
As we go through these next few days, those of us who believe need to ask God to help us to see through all the stress, and to focus on his birth and his return. So that on Christmas Day itself, we will be able to turn our hearts to the true meaning of the event. May i close by wishing you all a restful and relaxing Christmas.
"So when does Christmas actually come?" I will always remember Nicholas Vesey asking us that question at the start of his sermon at the Midnight Communion at St. Augustine's Church in 2004. it is almost more challenging to us as Chistians than it is to non Christians. For those of us who work in retail, Christmas comes earlier and earlier, with all the shops bedecked in fairy lights and decorations by mid October! for Schools, it all comes as soon as Bonfire Night is over, and teachers are up to their eyes in organising bazaars, parties and nativity plays.
It is so sad to remember that the true meaning has become totally lost by commercialism, and so it becomes a less than relaxing time for many, with the "season of Goodwill" concept becoming a joke! It is a season of stress for those of us in retail and the postal service, and a season of greed for those who are only interested in money, food and drink! In my workplace, trade is tough this year, and the effects of the credit crunch are obvious, but people are still buying. It will be interesting to see how many failed Christmas presents come back on Boxing Day THIS year!!
For many, Christmas is "really just for children" as it's all about new toys and Santa Claus, and schools and nurseries do nativity plays but simply brand it as a "nice little fairy story" with too much emphasis on Baby Jesus, and the children don't understand that he grew up to be the greatest person that has ever lived!! Before i was a Christian, I worked as a Nanny, and i used to share in the wonder and excitement of the children in my care that santa was real!!
As we go through these next few days, those of us who believe need to ask God to help us to see through all the stress, and to focus on his birth and his return. So that on Christmas Day itself, we will be able to turn our hearts to the true meaning of the event. May i close by wishing you all a restful and relaxing Christmas.
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