Goodwill

With incessant news of violence arround the world it would be easy to get sceptical about the idea of peace and goodwill. But there are many signs that those qualities are sill alive among us. The other night I went door-to-door collecting for the Salvation Army's work for the disadvantaged while our band played carols in the street. In the soft evening light the sound of the band brought a sense of peace and the marvellous generosity of householders was evidence of great goodwill. I gave thanks that despite the darkness in the world the light of love is not extinguished and having a care for others is still to be found.

Scared of Christmas?

I once asked a group of recovering alcoholics how they felt about Christmas. They replied, 'Scared!. They felt that the season might threaten their hard-won sobriety. For some people feelings of loneliness are particularly acute at Christmas as they think of relatives they have lost. But the words, 'fear not' feature in the Christmas story (and in 365 places in the bible - enough for every day of the year!) We can take them to heart and find that there is enough love in the world to go around and we can tap into it through faith in the One whose coming is celebrated. Churches will be crowded with people needing to get the message loud and clear.Don't miss out.

Christmas is coming

'Christmas comes but once a year' and when it comes it brings - well, what does it bring? A lot of work, for one thing. Stores echo with the merry sound of cash registers. Some people deplore the 'commercialization of Christmas' but at least it provides jobs for people.And much of the activity is dedicated to getting goods as gifts for OTHERS.
Christmas brings shoals of greeting cards and contact with friends and relatives from whom we may receive no other word. That is good! For kids (and parents?) Santa brings joy. This is a time for family gatherings and they should be welcomed.So three cheers for the yuletide season!
Centuries ago there was a bill before the British parliament to ban Christmas but thankfully it is not on the statute book and so Christmas is something we can all enjoy.So lets all do just that!

A Christmas Prayer

'When my Christmas joy evaporates with the frustration of Christmas shopping and my holiday plans elaborate until I'm wrapped in the trappings and trapped in the wrappings, Lord untangle me; help me get the tinsel out of my hair, refresh me with a look at the gift of your Son.' (Anon.)

(Please look into my other blog under 'History is His story' WH)

Something to share?

It is said that if everyone cared enough and everyone shared enough everyone would have enough. Perhaps some of us are not as good at sharing as we should be. Blogging is a way of sharing thoughts. I have a blog under my name (Wesley Harris) and another under 'History is His story'. I don't always keep up to date with this sharing and a New Year resolution will be to do better. For fifteen years in retirement I have been sharing the story of Christianity with a couple of classes in a state school week by week. Now I fel it necessary to relinquish that role on account of age but I am so glad that others will be picking up the baton. Another unexpected opportunity of sharing in retirement has been through writing. I have just had my ninth book published and hope to go on sharing my experience of God through the written word.It is a paradox, but the more we share the richer we become. We don't give to get but it happens that the more we give the more we gain in many ways.

Birthdays

My wife and I both celebrate our 80th birthdays this week. Margaret is two days older than me and I have sometimes joked that I decided to marry the older woman. Then of course, I have needed to duck! But seriously, we are so grateful for the years we have been given. For us this is a time to look back and give thanks. It is also a time to look forward to the time we may yet enjoy and to the mystery which lies beyond. God is good and perhaps that is all we need to know. We are finding it necessary to drop some activities but feel sure that there will still be worthwhile things to do. After all, service is the rent we pay for our room on earth.

What is best?

I would rather aim at something great and fail than settle for mediocrity and succeed. The trouble with many people is that they are saddled with small ambitions and have limited visions. We should lift up our eyes and believe a better day is dawning.