Chaplain’s Chat

As we rapidly move toward another Christmas season, many of us look forward to enjoying time with family and friends over the holiday period. At this time of year, there is often a sense of excitement and expectation when Christmas is on the horizon. For some, this will look like trying to work out what food will need to be purchased for a family gathering, while others will be thinking long and hard about that one difficult Christmas present that they still need to buy.

Many Christmas functions and end of year gatherings add to the busy nature of this time of year – so much so, that many of us actually look forward to Boxing Day when we can really have a rest!

Perhaps it is in this space, in the busyness of it all, that the message of Jesus’ birth continues to ring true and is relevant for all of us. As the angel said to the shepherds in Luke 2:11,  ^“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (NIV). As another busy year comes to a close, we again have the opportunity to pause and think about the deep things in life that matter.

With the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that the God of the universe broke into His own world, in the person of Jesus. As we continue to think about gifts that we might be getting for others or the gifts we might receive, let us also remember the greatest gift that all of us have received – the gift of Jesus.

Reverend A Benn
Chaplain