Dec: Thoughts from Huw

Dear Friends

Pope Francis called a Spanish priest, Father Leoz, in the city of Pamploma on November 7th, to congratulate him on a text he had written about Christmas during the time of the pandemic. In the text, the Spanish priest emphasizes that December 25th this year will be simpler and quieter than Christmas in previous years.

Here is an English translation.

Will there be Christmas?

Of course!

More silent and with more depth.

More like unto the first one, when Jesus was born in solitude.

Without many lights on earth, but with the star of Bethlehem shining on paths of life in its immensity.

Without colossal royal processions, but with the humility of feeling as if we are shepherds, young and old seeking the Truth.

Without big tables and with bitter absences, but with the presence of a God who will fill everything.

Will there be Christmas?

Of course!

Without streets overflowing with people, with our hearts burning for the One who is about to arrive.

Without noise or festivals, complaints or stampedes…

But living the Mystery without fear of the ‘COVID - Herod’ that tries to rob us even of the dream of waiting.

There will be Christmas because God is on our side, and He shares, as Christ did in a manger,

our poverty, trials, tears, anguish and orphanhood.

There will be Christmas because we need a divine light in the midst of such darkness.

Covid -19 will never be able to reach the heart or soul

of those who put their hope and their high ideal in heaven.

THERE WILL BE CHRISTMAS!

WE WILL SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS

GOD WILL BE BORN AND WILL BRING US FREEDOM.

Our next service at Wesley will be on Sunday 20th December at 3pm and in the New Year our service will be on Sunday 31st January at 3pm.

My family joins with me in wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Stay safe and may God be with you all.

Huw