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CHURCH AT KIRKBURN
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http://www.churchatkirkburn.org.uk page 102.html rector Dec 2007 12/11/08
DEC. 2007
THE RECTOR'S BIT
Dear Friends,
Recently on holiday on a lovely sunny warm day I found myself engaged in a conversation about Christmass. A question popped up “How do we know that Jesus was born on December 25th?” I replied “We don’t”!”. I explained that when Christianity became the faith of the Roman Empire, some of their old holidays were “christened”! by the church and given a new meaning. At the end of a long discussion I was (light heartedly) accused of undermining my companion’s faith in Christmas. I wonder how you view the approaching festival ?
Expensive? Yes. it can be. Just for children ? There’s no doubt that kids enjoy parties, presents, plays and productions. A time of sadness ? It certainly brings to mind times past with those we love and still miss, times when maybe we were more active and healthy. A time of stress and tension? Possibly, epecially if there are lots of gifts to buy, cards to send, and food to prepare. A time for getting together ? Family and friends don’t meet up as often as we would like because of distance, business or work commitments, or even because of disputes and fall outs.
It seems to me that in spite of the problems, stress, and fall outs, Christmass is an opportunity to start again. To write that letter, send an e-mail, post a card, for the message of Christmass is that each one of us, young or old, rich or poor, stressed or laid back has a real value and purpose. To touch for good the lives of others and to take encouragement that no matter what the date God sent his son, like us in every way, to show his love for us and to give us hope that in sp[ite of our failings we always have the opportunity to start again. The real trust of Christmass is that this season is all about generosity, love and hope, and that is true and worth celebrating whether in a big circle of friends and family, as a couple, or alone. God’s generosity in sending his son means he loves you, and all you have to is let Him.
Happy Christmass and a blessed 2008
Recently on holiday on a lovely sunny warm day I found myself engaged in a conversation about Christmass. A question popped up “How do we know that Jesus was born on December 25th?” I replied “We don’t”!”. I explained that when Christianity became the faith of the Roman Empire, some of their old holidays were “christened”! by the church and given a new meaning. At the end of a long discussion I was (light heartedly) accused of undermining my companion’s faith in Christmas. I wonder how you view the approaching festival ?
Expensive? Yes. it can be. Just for children ? There’s no doubt that kids enjoy parties, presents, plays and productions. A time of sadness ? It certainly brings to mind times past with those we love and still miss, times when maybe we were more active and healthy. A time of stress and tension? Possibly, epecially if there are lots of gifts to buy, cards to send, and food to prepare. A time for getting together ? Family and friends don’t meet up as often as we would like because of distance, business or work commitments, or even because of disputes and fall outs.
It seems to me that in spite of the problems, stress, and fall outs, Christmass is an opportunity to start again. To write that letter, send an e-
Happy Christmass and a blessed 2008
