Dec/Jan: Thoughts from Huw

Dear Friends,

Advent is the season of expectation and preparation for Christmas. We must stand aside from the mad rush of commercialism, and to quietly contemplate the wonder of God`s love in the Christ Child. Have you ever thought about the many strands that go to make up the celebration of Christmas? There will be traditions ancient and modern, perhaps something of Charles Dickens will have contributed to our Christmas customs in this country, and inevitably there will be the nostalgic memories of Christmases long ago. But when all has been added up, nothing in this world can ever compare with the simplicity and at the same time profundity of the Christ Child born in the manger.

Here are some verses from the poem `Christmas` by the late Sir John Betjeman :

`And is it true? And is it true,
The most wonderful tale of all
Seen in an Ox`s stall?
The Maker of the Stars and Sea
Became a child on earth for me? 
No love that in a family dwells
No carolling in frosty air
Nor all the steeple- shaking bells
Can with this single – truth compere
That God was Man in Palestine
And lives today in Bread and Wine`

Hilary, Lucy, Harrison and Elle join me in wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful 2018
With good wishes, Huw