Dear Friends,
It hardly seems possible that we are now at the beginning of December. A year ago around this time we were experiencing the worst winter weather that we had suffered for a good many years - who can forget the huge piles of snow that blocked our streets and roads or those which were piled up along the verges? I hope that we are treated much more kindly by the weather this winter.
As I said at the time, although it was not pleasant, it did bring out the best in folk as they ensured that neighbours got the help that they needed. It made is realise that we are all part of an interconnected family of human being who need each other to live our lives to their fullest. In a little while we will be celebrating that great feast of Christmas when we remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour in that cattle shed in the remote village of Bethlehem. We will hear tales of visiting shepherds and wise men and the chorus's of angels. And with a bit of poetic licence, we will be reminded of the kindness of the inn keeper and others who helped Mary and Joseph as they had to cope with the birth of their child in less than perfect circumstances. People were moved by the plight of the holy family - perhaps they responded because they recognised the presence of Christ in their lives - but perhaps they would have responded any way because that was the sort of people that they were. And in some respects the story of the birth of Jesus and our experiences last Christmas are not too dissimilar. For last Christmas we say people responding to those in need. Most likely they did it because that is the sort of people that they were. But perhaps they also recognised the presence of Christ in their midst. The other Sunday we were reminded of the parable of the sheep and goats where Jesus tells the king who praises those who cared for him when he was hungry, homeless, sick etc. and condemned those who didn't. And when questioned about when they saw him in those dire circumstance, the king responded by saying that whenever they cared for anyone, they cared for him. And it reminds us that whenever we show compassion to those around us, we show compassion to Christ as well. At Christmas time especially, let us care f or those around us, for in doing so we are serving Christ as well.
On behalf of all us at the Vicarage, can I wish everyone a very happy, blessed and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Ian R