From the Parish Priest

Christmas is a lovely time of year. The sparkling decorations, the special dinners, the pretty cards, the busy shops, the beautiful carols and the unique atmosphere of Midnight Mass all come together to make Christmas a really special occasion. I hope you have a really good time and will look back on Christmas 2005 as one to remember.

"A really special occasion" and "a really good time" is, I imagine, what we all hope for, but for some, indeed for quite a lot of people, Christmas is anything but special or good. For some it's a very anxious time whilst for others it's a frightening time. For some it's a lonely time and for others it's a time to be alone and to remember when it was special and good.

Illness, relationship breakdowns, poverty, family feuds, bereavement "! none of these takes account of Christmas. If anything the presence of this festival, both religious and secular, make sad or difficult situations even more poignant.

If you're preparing to have a lovely Christmas this year, remember those who, for a whole variety of reasons, are not able to celebrate it in the same way. Maybe you can help make their Christmas a bit more special by inviting them in, giving them a gift or sending them a card?

Whether or not we feel able to keep it in a traditional way, Christmas, the coming of Jesus, is for all of us - the message of the angels is for us today as much as it was for people all those years ago: "Glory to God in the highest!"

Fr. Mike

Winter Warnings

The forecasters have been constantly telling us that this winter is going to be harsh. If Waterlooville gets a lot of ice or snow, please remember your friends and neighbours who are elderly or who live alone. For them a very cold spell can be both frightening and dangerous. Don't forget - a phone call to check on their well being can reassure them that someone cares, and it could save a life! If you're worried about a member of St. George's Church, please phone Fr. Mike or the Churchwardens to alert them. Also please be very careful when travelling to Church on icy roads and pavements.

Canon Jane Hedges

Jane worshipped and ministered at St. George's Church before moving to Portsmouth Cathedral. She then became Rector of Honiton, Devon, ~five years ago. On Saturday January 28th Jane is being licensed as Canon Steward of Westminster Abbey. Jane, Chris, Jonathan and Adam will be moving from Devon to London shortly after Christmas. We send them our good wishes and assure them of our prayers at this time.