Hertingfordbury Parish News: December 2002
Clergy Letter
It is sometimes difficult at this time of the year to feel joy and hope and goodwill towards all mankind. The media by form of newspapers, radio, television or the net, brings everyday happenings, many of them tragic, from all over the world graphically, into our homes. I suppose that, sadly, one can say that little has changed in the 2002 years since our Saviour's birth. Always there have been wars, conflicts, acts of terrorism and aggression. Not of course always on a National or International scale. Many conflicts are in neighbourhoods, the work place, or worse, within the home. Perhaps the time has come for us to look back to the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. To take to ourselves the message of Hope that was given to ALL mankind, that "Unto US a child was born, Unto US a Son was GIVEN". A child born of a very ordinary Mother and a supportive Father. A child whose early days were to herald the unusualness of His life. Born in a stable, visited by shepherds and Kings/Wise Men. Presented with extraordinary gifts, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. With His parents, He fled from a jealous and frightened King (Herod).. we know the story; in December each year we never tire of hearing it, or of singing the Carols and Christmas songs. How many will come to Church for the Carols and Lessons, for the Midnight Holy Communion on Christmas Eve? All over the world, the numbers will run into millions. Many will not be able to say why, or what draws them to Churches in town or village. It is something deep within; because it cannot be explained it has to be hidden, or laughed at, brushed aside with "Well, Christmas is for the children and I enjoy a good sing". Perhaps the time has come for thoughts and feelings of embarrassment to be put aside, for each one of us to say, "This Christmas will be different", for we will remember with Thanks its origin, and pray to the God who gave us the chance to make amends to help us make His world a better place. To ask for another chance for us to show Him that His faith and trust in us was not mis-placed; and that the greatest gift to us did not, 33 years later, die in vain. Joy to the World must be on our lips; Peace and Goodwill to ALL mankind must come from our hearts; and the Love of God be seen to be working wherever we go. Joe joins me in wishing you all a Blessed, Peaceful Christmas, with the Love of God to comfort and guide you in all the days to come. With love, thoughts and prayers, Rev'd Rosemary.Please note: Although the Hertingfordbury Parish News is produced by St. Mary's PCC, the opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC.