I love this time of year…….the run up to Christmas….the cold nights… the frosted icy mornings with sparkling crisp paths and the cheery Robins that visit the manse each year. Christmas Eve Holy Communion is my favourite and special time…the celebration and anticipation of the coming day, remembering in reverence and awe the birth of Jesus Christ once again.
It provides a perfect occasion to reflect on where we are in life, to feel and display love to those around us, especially towards those who have less…..and to display such feelings throughout the whole of the year and not just the season of Advent and Christmas. Perhaps the birth of our Saviour is an ideal beginning to show true forgiveness to the people who may have hurt us, to start again with a renewed spirit of hope and love.
In this season it’s very easy to rush around taking care of everyone else’s needs… but we often neglect ourselves in trying to do too much; too tired to enjoy what we have. I advocate slowing down, seeking and enjoying the simple things…..using the precious gift of time and spending it with those whom we love.
It seems to me that many have endured a very challenging year in the last twelve months. We may have made incorrect choices or responded in a way at odds with our faith and belief. But everything in life is a lesson, and a blessing, if we choose to see it that way.
Whenever we experience negative situations, we need to take responsibility and deal with them the best way we can…. using the Spirit of a new born King to shape our way. Before we journey into the New Year it’s important to reflect on who we are now, how life in the passing year has formed the people that we have become. Even if 2024 was a difficult year, let us acknowledge that we have grown as people. Reflecting on such changes helps us take stock of what we do and who we really value…..The beginning of a New Year is always an ideal time to stop, look around and focus our bearings…….using a compass that is set on God’s way and not to our own desires.
To all the people who are part of my life and all those who may not know me so well…Elizabeth and I wish you a beautiful Christmas that is blessed with peace.
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
Health and happiness to you all.
Craig and Elizabeth