As the clock struck midnight all over the country supermarket workers stripped the shelves of pumpkins and replaced them with Christmas decorations, well that’s what I imagine happens as the November onslaught of Christmas adverts begins. This is not a ‘bah humbug’ we shouldn’t think of Christmas until December kind of article so read on. In fact, I think of Christmas throughout the year, I guess the clue is in the first six letters of the word. At this time of year though thoughts inevitably focus on both the meaning of Christmas and the trappings that go with the festivity. I am already eyeing up a new decoration for the tree. My thoughts also go to Christmas carols. This year I am ear wormed by the tune to Good King Wenceslas. You know the one: Good King Wenceslas looked out, On the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, Deep and crisp and even…
It is a Christmas carol that tells a story of a Bohemian king who goes on a journey, braving harsh winter weather, to give alms to the poor, having seen a man struggling to find fuel. I wonder if this song resonates with me so much this year as it reflects the reality of this Christmas. Hopefully not the snow but certainly the worries around heating our homes. The story of the carol goes on with King and page braving the cold to share what they have with the man in need. The last verse concludes: Therefore, Christian men, be sure. Wealth or rank possessing. Ye, who now will bless the poor. Shall yourselves find blessing.
It is an encouragement that we should enjoy our own Christmas, I am sure the King enjoyed his, but also that we should recognise those less fortunate and act to make their world a bearable place. In that giving we may have less but gain so much more. A shared mince pie with a neighbour or a few tins to the foodbank may be all you can offer, but for some that act will make their Christmas.
I pray this year you will know the blessing of Christ this Christmas and that you will have all that you need for yourself and to bless others. – Amen
If you want to get in the Christmas mood - Don’t forget Carols on the Parade. 6:30pm Tuesday 20th December. Join us on the grass area at the Parade for some carol-singing. Refreshments afterwards at The Vine Centre (library). Bring a torch or a lantern!
Carols on the parade is Organised by “Christians working Together” Believers who live and or worship in Cherry Willingham.