The festive season is now on us. We’ll be singing seasonal songs, hanging decorations on yuletide trees and putting up garlands in our homes. No doubt we’ll also be eating festive fare, going to wintervals and watching the children perform in end of term plays. In fact we’ll be doing everything we can to avoid using that very naughty word - “Christmas!” Someone may get upset or offended. Strange, isn’t it, that those who shout the most about politically correct terms and go out of their way to avoid offence will be the very people who send Christmas cards, put up Christmas decorations and invite their families for Christmas dinner!

Christmas is not something to be embarrassed about. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is not something we need to hide or keep quiet about. As people have done for hundreds of years, we can and we should make a big fuss about Christmas - that moment in history when God became man and lived among us for the next 33 years.  As members of the Christian Church, it’s up to us to make sure that this celebration isn’t sidelined or ignored. Years ago the Christmas celebrations didn’t start until December 24th, with Advent being kept for at least the previous 4 weeks. With Christmas in the shops starting earlier and earlier, the Church has lost on that one and I suspect we’ll never be able to restore Advent again.  We need to make absolutely certain then, that we don’t lose Christmas as well. I’m sure the country will never give up on presents and parties but the word itself - “Christmas”, could so easily be dropped even before we realise it. Do your bit - celebrate Christmas and make sure everyone knows we’re marking the birth of Jesus Christ - the Saviour of the World.

I don’t wish you a happy festive season, I wish you a very happy Christmas!

Fr. Mike

Christmas & New Year 2015/6

From the Parish Priest