LET us all share some Christmas spirit.
How is your preparation for Christmas going? Mine really began with the Victorian evening in Ingatestone on November 30 and singing with the Ingatestone Choral Society my first rendition of Hark The Herald Angels Sing of the year.
I think I sang it 17 times last year. It is a lovely carol and I can honestly say I do not tire of it. I posted my first Christmas cards and gifts next day, destined for the USA and Uganda. Christmas is a great time for reconnection with family and friends that we may not see as often as we would like.
In the world of Skype we can instantly be connected with everyone. Perhaps there is increasingly something old-fashioned about Christmas cards. Yet I know I like the sound of them dropping on the mat and seeing who they are from. I am sure many older people, not so internet savvy as some, enjoy receiving cards. It has been said to me this year, "The problem with cards is the cost of postage. It cost more to send than to buy."
It will be sad if we stop sending cards. It does remind people that they are remembered and often brings back memories of times spent with the sender.
Busy times for some can only emphasise loneliness for others. Christmas is a time when people can feel isolated. As Ingatestone Churches Together this year, we have produced a Christmas card listing services across the denominations in our town.
We have been encouraging people to give them to a friend or acquaintance and offer to accompany them to service. I know that many people like to come with family to church specifically at Christmas. Of course all clergy would like people to come more often. But it is wonderful to see families and groups of friends coming to share in the celebrations. There is something about being in church on Christmas Eve that touches the heart of many people. It connects not just with people now, but also with people who have celebrated the season down through the ages.
