‘Take a Moment’

Christmas is almost here. I have just come from watching a wonderful nativity play put on by the youngest Children from Mareham le fen Church of England school. It was all about an angel that didn’t always get things right, ( like most of us) but in the end she had a job to do and she did it and spread the news about the coming of a special baby who would change the world for ever.

 Christmas is a time when we all find ourselves (despite telling ourselves each year that next year will be different) rushing around trying!! to make everything perfect for Christmas.

The first Christmas Jesus family was far from perfect, Joseph and Mary were travelling to Bethlehem to register as was required of then that year. Then Mary went in to labour, and they had nowhere to stay. The only shelter they were offered was a stable, which was only available by the kindness of others.

A very human story .The child Jesus was born in a world that was far from perfect, with a mother who was not much more than a child herself. Her baby had no cot only a manger which was for hay for the cattle, which were housed there.   There was no rest for Mary as the family had to move on quickly after Joseph had a dream in which he was told that they and the baby were in danger and they must flee.

 King Herod hearing from Magi who were astrologers looking for a unique star pointing to the birth of a great king. King Herod wanted to find this child him he wanted no threat to his throne. So much of this sounds like a familiar story, as hear all round us requests for funds to help homeless children at Christmas to help protect children from the elements and from the harm of the King Herod’s of this world.

The ‘Christingle’ service get children and  people of all ages together, to sing carols, the children place Jesus in the manger and receive their ‘Christingle’  The service is raising money for the children society who will, with the kindness of others, find the sadly,  many homeless and vulnerable children in our country today ,shelter and protection. Come and join us and help them.

I hope you all have a safe and peace filled Christmas whatever your age.

Revd Kathy Bush

 Dates for our Church Christmas services, all welcome:

18^th December-Carol service with festive refreshments- 6.30 pm-Revesby 

Christmas Eve Christingle- 3pm- Mareham le fen

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass- 11.30 pm- Revesby

Christmas Day Holy Communion- 10.00am- Revesby