Dear Friends,
As I write this letter the shops are already filled with Christmas products and more than a month ago I was greeted by life-sized animatronic reindeer singing “Jingle Bells” when I went into a local garden centre.
I wonder how all the Christmas advertising and the expectation it brings is effecting those members of our communities who are worried about how to make ends meet or are already making decisions between food and heat. I wonder too how it makes those who will be alone this Christmas, or are grieving the death of a loved one feel. I wonder about those who have risked everything to try to make a life in this country and find themselves unwelcome and those who have left everything behind fleeing for their lives from persecution who are attempting to claim asylum here.
I wonder about you all, and those who we welcome for coffee and cake, for craft fairs and for worship. What are you feeling as we prepare for another Christmas that promises to be so different once again from those that have gone before?
I know that some of you feel called to try to offer support to those in the wider community and to show a welcome. I know that others will be donating to the Foodbank or finding ways to support the night shelter. Others will be struggling to keep their own heads above water and just thanking God for every day they manage to put one foot in front of the other. Still others will want to forget the concerns of the last few years and have a chance to celebrate.
I wonder how many people in our communities, living around us and in our churches feel that there is no room or welcome for them anywhere. I wonder too how many feel so overstretched or overwhelmed that they are unable to offer a welcome to others. I have an image of a packed rush hour tube train in my head with all those people standing on the platform longing to be able to fit in and get home.
Whatever you’re feeling, the coming of God to “pitch his tent in our neighbourhood” (as Eugene Peterson paraphrases the Gospel of John’s great proclamation that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us) gives us the assurance that all are welcome at the feast of God’s coming. Later in this magazine you’ll see the material from the Methodist Church which explores this in more detail. You’ll also find invitations to celebrations, to a carol service for those who are grieving, to cups of coffee, carol services and times of quiet reflection.
I pray that in all you experience in the seasons of Advent and Christmas and in the year to come, you will know God’s presence with you and that with God you are always welcome.
With love to you all.