It's never too early for Christmas
As I write the shops are already full of cards, mince pies and decorations, by the time you read this Christmas trees will be up, and decorations illuminated. Part of me wants to be ‘Bah Humbug’ at the way Christmas seems come earlier each year but maybe I have the wrong attitude.
Benjamin Franklin once said,
“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
Christmas isn’t just a season, but a spirit of peace, joy, and goodwill that should carry throughout the year. Imagine the difference if we kept this spirit alive year-round. Living out these values daily—loving God and others, showing kindness and respect—we could create lasting impact within our families, community, schools, and churches and beyond.
The past year has shown how much our world still struggles with peace. The 2024 Global Peace Index reported a decline in peacefulness globally for the fifth consecutive year. This will be of little surprise as our TV screens are filled with news reports of tension, violence, and scenes of conflict in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine. Closer to home, poverty; domestic abuse and uncertainty in a rapidly changing world make peace a foreign concept. Even amid such challenges, Christians are still called to be peacemakers. Jesus said, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” For me finding peace in God enables me to share it with others—bringing calm to our communities and uplifting one another during difficult times.
Could a Christmas spirit throughout the year be a reality? I pray that it would be, starting with me. This Christmas, among the tinsel and the turkey, we celebrate not only the birth of Jesus but the ongoing impact of His teachings. He brought light to a world in darkness and continues to be a beacon for millions. We can all carry that light forward by embracing simple but powerful gifts this season: forgiveness, tolerance, kindness, and respect.
The Vine and the other churches that serve the village would love to welcome you to ‘Carols on the Parade’ with mince pies and refreshments (19th Dec 7pm) or once of the other Advent and Christmas events or services, details can be found in this magazine
From The Vine, we wish you and your loved one’s peace, joy, and blessings this Christmas season and into the New Year.
Patience: The Virtue We Often Forget
“Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can. Seldom in a woman, never in a man.”
My grandmother would recite this line whenever my impatience bubbled to the surface. Whether I was eagerly awaiting a treat or getting frustrated with slow-moving people, her reminder was a gentle nudge toward a quality that seems to be disappearing in today’s fast-paced world.
We live in a culture of instant gratification, where waiting feels like an inconvenience. From fast food to high-speed internet, everything is expected to happen now. The moment things don't go our way—when we get stuck in traffic, deal with rude people, or face delays—frustration and impatience take over. We often justify it as righteous anger. But is impatience really the best way to handle these situations? The Bible offers a different view. Patience, in the biblical sense, is more than just tolerating delays. It’s an expression of faith. The Apostle Paul tells us that patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), something that should naturally flow from a heart connected to God. I find in my life that patience is an active choice, not a passive virtue.
I have just spent 11 hours in an airport waiting for a plane that never arrived. What I learned from that day is that patience isn’t about simply sitting back and waiting quietly. It’s about resilience and maintaining a sense of calm while navigating difficult circumstances. Patience requires endurance, much like running a long race. It’s about focusing on the bigger picture rather than letting the little frustrations wear us down.
While impatience often leads to quick outbursts, rash decisions, or venting our frustrations, the practice of patience teaches us to pause and consider a more thoughtful response. It helps us avoid unnecessary stress and conflict, allowing space for reflection, understanding, and ultimately better decisions. In the case of an extended airport delay it also leads to great conversations, new friendships and camaraderie.
In a world where we’re constantly rushed, cultivating patience can lead to a more fulfilling, less stressful life. It allows us to embrace the reality that not everything will happen on our schedule, and that’s okay. For the Christian patience is a sign of strength and maturity, helping us to grow in faith and live a life marked by grace. For anyone, by practicing patience, we not only improve our own well-being but create a ripple effect of calm and understanding in the lives of those around us. That has to be a good thing, a thing worth waiting for.