Jenny’s letter 5th January
Dear Friends,
I always feel very odd at this point in the year. Perhaps it’s the diet of trifle for breakfast and much later bedtimes. And while that certainly doesn’t help, it’s only 10 days since we as church began the festival of Christmas while all around us, especially those in retail and on social media, are moving on.
In fact, because of the way dates fall and the need to choose a time when people are available, the trees have not even made it to Epiphany. The crib scene will, however, remain until the feast of the Presentation of Christ (Candlemass). This year it falls on Sunday 2nd February.
Why Candlemass? Because, traditionally, it was the Sunday on which all the candles at the Abbey, Cathedral, or church, were blessed. Some churches still do that.
I think it is really important that we do not succumb to allowing the decorations and festivities associated with Christmas dictate to us when the Christmas or Epiphany season ends – just as we have worked hard to retain Advent while surrounded by Christmas trees!
Why do I think this?
- Living the Message of Emmanuel: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, reminding us that God is with us in every moment. It is right that we focus on this as a foundational element because being able to hold onto this truth throughout the year helps us live with faith, trust, and a sense of God’s presence in our daily lives.
- Reflecting Christ’s Love: The birth of Jesus represents God’s ultimate gift of love to humanity. By carrying the spirit of Christmas forward we can continue to focus on that gift given to us and, as a consequence, reflect God’s love through continued acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, in our interactions with others.
- Sustaining the Joy of Salvation: Christmas is a celebration of God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus, bringing hope and salvation to the world. Remembering this message beyond the season encourages us to remain joyful, grateful, and steadfast in our faith, regardless of life’s circumstances.
How do we do that when it all feels over and done with? First, I am reminded of the passage in Luke 2 when we hear about the shepherds being told the news of Jesus’s birth by the angels.
The shepherds are excited and intrigued and run in the direction that the huge star takes them. They were clearly excited and, as with many who encounter Jesus Christ – think about the Woman at the Well in John’s Gospel chapter 4 – they want to tell everyone the news.
But Luke notes the actions of Mary. Rather than an extrovert response, we are told ‘Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.’ I think that this is how we move forward into the new year with Christmas still very present in our lives.
We have had wonderful celebrations. We have fed people and raised a sizeable amount of money. We have given and received gifts.
Now as we enter the New Year we have a chance to be quieter. We can reflect collectively and individually as we consider all that the gift of Jesus means.
It is a time to consider where the treasure was in our Christmas celebrations: where did we meet Jesus? – as well as a season to ponder the impact of Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ both for us, individually, and for the church, and the world.
For me, after the busyness of all the festivities, the weeks of January remain a very important part of Christmas. I hope that you will find ways of holding on to the season too. Remember, ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. (John 1.5).
Wishing each one of you a happy and hope filled New Year.
