From the Parish Priest
Dear friends,
I am sure that you are all working out how you will celebrate Christmas this year. Things are different. They are inconvenient and frustrating., and we will have to do things differently.
In church there will be no singing together, no mince pie and mulled wine after services, no church Christmas Parties. The way we celebrate will need to change and, indeed , has changed, but what we celebrate is the same. Nothing has changed in the beauty and truth of the story of God’s incarnation. Nothing has changed in the beauty and truth of the infant in the Ox’s stall, and nothing has changed in the grace and love of God that we celebrate in church, and around the table or fireplace with our family and friends.
We live in an age where the external is so important, where what someone wears, or the car they drive, or where they live can be seen as far more important than what they say or who they are. We live in an age where people feel they have to “push the boat out” to keep up with their neighbours or current social trends, whether for Children’s birthday parties, Wedding Celebrations, or wearing the right brand of trainers.
The Truth of Christmas is the same, whether you are celebrating round your own table or fireplace with your immediate family, or in the banqueting hall of the Ritz hotel. We cannot make Christmas any more special than it is by embellishing it, and we will not make it any less wonderful by celebrating it more simply.
However you will be celebrating, May I wish you a very Happy and Holy Festival, and all my hopes and prayers for you and your families in 2021
With love and prayers
Philip
