Letter to the Parish

Christmas comes but once a year.

Well, there's another year flown by! As you read this we will be in Advent once again and looking ahead to Christmas only three weeks away. For most that will mean:- holiday off work; it will be a time when we spend too much; when we see distant family; when we eat and drink too much; when we watch too much television. For most it is a lovely time of year: a real family time with babies, children, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles all getting together for family time. It is something to look forward to - apart from the hard work and preparation that has to be put into it.

There's a little ditty that goes: "Christmas comes but once a year to everyone's delight." Some versions also include the line, "Bringing lots of joy and cheer." And, of course, to many folk it does bring joy and cheer, and is a delight. If you are fortunate enough to be in that camp, then continue to enjoy the celebrations of Christmas this year. But please also spare a thought for those for whom this Christmas will not be joyful, cheerful or delightful. Be aware of a friend, neighbour or relative for whom this will be a hard time, either because of an anniversary that brings unwanted emotions to the surface, or because they are without someone they love for the very first time. The joy and delight that everyone else shows just emphasises the emptiness that some experience. Be a good neighbour or friend to someone this Christmas and be aware that Christmas coming once a year is not to everyone's delight.

When you read this you will probably already be fed up with Christmas songs being played in almost every shop you go into; you're probably already fed up with watching the John Lewis television Christmas advert (other Christmas adverts are available). It is all too easy, in this consumerist society, to get swept along with all the jingles, hype and marketing of a "commercial" Christmas and forget about the actual meaning of Christmas. Christmas is the time when we remember and celebrate God - Jesus - coming to earth; born as a tiny baby - just as each one of us started off in this world. God came down to earth; that is what Christmas is about. Don't let the marketing hype hide the meaning of Christmas for you this year.

There are plenty of services and events going on in your church in Benenden during Advent and Christmas; there is a lot of choice! (See the page with all the church services for details of dates, times, services.) Come and join us, and celebrate God coming down to earth this Christmas time.

Helen and I wish you all a peaceful Christmas

Revd. David Commander
Rector

Benefice of Benenden and Sandhurst

T: 01580 240658 E: david@dc-uk.co.uk