Many of my readers share my own faith but many more want to hear the Christmas story. When I was in the regular vicars I introduced a service of Christingle on Christmas Eve because parents wanted their children to hear the central story on Christmas Eve and they wanted to hear it in church, from the vicar and not just from the telly. I know it was a high point of Christmas for many parishioners to the extent that I had to do the same service twice every Christmas Eve so that everyone could get in. If I'd stayed longer I think we might have had three sittings!
I know that commercial tat screams louder than Christian truth but the excitement around Christmas means that most people do hear the spiritual message, and many who do not come to church regularly, come at this time. Few people can tell me the story of the Ascension Pentecost or the Resurrection as confidently as they can tell the Christmas story. If they don't know the Nativity story it's highly unlikely they know the others!
Hearing the Christmas story, in church and from the vicar is an important part of sharing the Readon for the Season. I always talked about it when teaching the songs for whatever Christmas show we were doing on school.
ReplyDeleteA reason to talk!
DeleteOur Nativity Tableau outside continues to get a really positive response.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could see it!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteHow refreshing it is to read that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Amidst the endless talk of decorating, presents and other trivial pursuits, it is so good to reflect on the essence of Christmas which is, of course, Christ.
In today's troubled world, we need the peace of Christmas and the light which Jesus brought into the world. It gives hope for humanity.
Couldn't agree more!
DeleteWe spoke to one of our youngest grandaughters at the weekend and she was excited to have the part of a talking Angel in the schools nativity today. Important to remember the meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI hope she remembers all her words!
DeleteI read the Christmas story to the boys every year that they were growing up.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That's great!
DeleteWhen I was growing up, I would listen to the story of the birth of a little boy. and how the earth trembled and celestial beings gathered around to pay homage and receive him. But, it was the story of a different little boy, who was born more than 2,500 years ago, on a different continent, during a different season, in a grove of flowering trees. I did love hearing the story. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. That has enriched the Christmas story for me.
DeleteI imagine you were a wonderful Vicar! I attend a small Anglican church in my village in Ontario Canada. We recently had our church bazaar and it was a wonderful day...lots of home baking and crafts. We enjoy coming together to make good food the whole community enjoys. Our Rector gets involved and will be reading Dickens A Christmas Carol next weekend which is always well attended. There will be mince pies and refreshments afterwards.
ReplyDeleteJesus is the reason for the season !
Thank you. Church catering is wonderful!
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