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The past year has
seen this country at war with Iraq. There have also been numbers of
terrorist attacks throughout the world. The situation between Israel and
Palestine is still very volatile. We live in troublesome times. Into
this troubled world comes the season of Christmas and the story of the
birth of a child.
During a recent visit
at the dentist I found some quirky statistics in one of the available
magazines. Did you know, for example, that more people in the UK know that
myrrh was one of the kings’ gifts than know that Jesus was born in
Bethlehem, and that he was laid in a manger? Did you know, too, that more
people in the UK view Christmas as an opportunity to meet friends and
family than as a religious festival? Over 30% of the population say that
they will go to church at Christmas – yet only 15% do so.
That certainly makes
for a challenge – doesn’t it?
We are now in Advent,
the time when we prepare for the coming of our Saviour at Christmas – and
at the end of time. It is so important that we take time to think about
our faith during this period, and not allow ourselves to be totally
distracted by the practical preparations for Christmas.
Christmas brings out
both the best and the worst in people. It brings out deep-felt generosity,
which shows itself not only in Christmas ‘spirit’ (including Christmas
cards, presents and social get-togethers), but it is also the time of the
year when family violence is at its highest, and depression at its worst.
So as you celebrate
the Feast of the Birth of Jesus, and look forward to a New Year, do think
of, and pray for those less fortunate than you, and make a firm resolution
to do all in your power to ensure a better world for everyone.
For full details of
the services at St Mary's
click here. We hope that you will avail yourselves of the many
opportunities for worship at St Mary's over the Christmas season. We
assure you of a warm welcome. If there is any other way we can be of
service to you please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting us -
for details
click here.
Your priest and
friend
Tom Leary
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