Dear Friends,
Marianne Williamson cites that “the Holy child is waiting to be born in every instant, not just once in a year”. This demands that we experience the spirit of Christmas, in the words of peace, daily. It is also demonstrating the right behaviours of loving God and others, joy, respect and goodwill to all.
Why limit our seasonal celebrations to Christmas only when they could be sustainable across the year with, for example, our loved ones, family, neighbours, community, schools and church? The impact would be immeasurable – reaching beyond the boundaries of our villages if we are open to doing something new. The journey begins with a greater self-awareness of our faith, capability and integration like asking whether I am the same person on the inside as I am on the outside? Is my outward focus inwardly driven – from the heart of loving God and others – or externally driven by circumstances?
The spirit of Christmas demands that we live out these characteristics daily to become the shop window of our faith in Jesus Christ. Christmas thus becomes a portable life-giving attitude for taking anywhere on this practical road of life. Mary Ellen Chase shares: “Christmas is not a date, it is a state of mind”, words which echo a frequent personal challenge of our faith expression and self-awareness.
The 2019 Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness, reveals a world in which the conflicts and crises that emerged in the past decade have begun to abate. But new tensions within and between nations are still emerging. Some say the global issues and tensions are too complicated and, locally, we have our fair share of challenges like HS2, East West Expressway, Brexit and the national Elections later this month. But we are still called to be peacemakers. We are. According to the fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” And this is within our grasp to become peacemakers in our Claydon villages and make a lasting impact.
On the 25th day of this month, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This wonderful mystery of God’s dwelling among us in the fullness of humanity as Emmanuel, historically foretold by the Old Testament Prophets and born of Mary. Also known as the Lord, the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, He is recognised as a baby lying in a manger and wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth. He was the light for people who walked in darkness, a light that shined on all where death casts its shadow, and He is the light of the world.
Christmas is thus a timely reminder that we are not just celebrating the birth of Christ but the enduring outcome of His humanity in the last three years of His life, which reached the outer limits of earth over 2,000 years to date. And the words of Jesus are still impacting the lives of many.
I do hope that you take the time to join us in one or more of our Christmas Services in our Parish churches celebrating the birth of Christ (see list of services elsewhere in this newsletter). That, in joining us, we begin a new journey open to new faith discoveries beyond the bible words read and Christmas Carols sung. So, on behalf of our Parish, may I wish you and your families: peace, goodwill and love this Christmas season.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a new year of blessings
Reverend Rickey Simpson-Gray
Parish of the Claydons