Chaplains’ Chat

As we approach another Christmas season, I trust and hope that everyone in the Shore community can enjoy this time of year. For many of us, there will be times of rest and relaxation, family time, lots of food and gift-giving. It is typically a wonderful time in our calendar. It is a great reminder of the precious things in life that we enjoy. If your family is anything like mine, we typically have a gift list that needs to be completed with various purchases! While it is always nice to give and receive gifts that we know about, sometimes the real joy is when you give or receive a gift that is a surprise. I know I have been so grateful when receiving a surprise gift where someone has clearly put a lot of time and thought into the gift.

The Bible knows all about gifts. Indeed, at the heart of Christmas is the gift that God gives the world, namely his Son Jesus. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible 3:16 reminds us that: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.’ God is the great gift giver and in Jesus we can know God, be forgiven and have life with him. It truly is a remarkable gift. My prayer for the whole Shore community is that we have a wonderful Christmas, a safe holiday period, a restful time with family and friends and a great knowledge of God and his goodness to us which we see in Jesus.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain