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Hello from St Andrew’s Church in Rugby , where once again I’m surrounded by Christmas
trees. This year there are a couple that pick up the WW1 remembrance theme
using poppies as decorations. 2014 has been a significant year for the UK and for Europe
as we’ve reflected on the significance of the first and the second world wars. The
not uncontroversial Sainsbury’s advert reminded the nation that the story of Christmas
can do extraordinary things; even in war it can unite enemies, as in the famous
Christmas Day truce in 1914.
At Christmas we do enter a
mystical moment, a moment of opportunity, where the message of God’s love and
care for each one of us comes really close. The vulnerable child, the nativity
scenes, the bringing of gifts, they tell us that we can still believe in the
power of love to transform human experience. At Christmas 1914 on the Western
front, some soldiers dared to look their enemies in the face and wish them
happy Christmas.
In our societies today we all have
the need to look those we dislike, blame and accuse in the face and see that
they too bare the image of God. Transforming our enemies into friends is the
mystical work of God, but it is made possible in the story of Christmas. Jesus,
the baby in the manger, the Prince of Peace, tells us of God’s desire for
peace, love and unity for all humankind. I hope that that message reaches deep
into your life this year.
From everyone at St Andrew’s
Church in Rugby , I wish you a very blessed,
holy and peaceful Christmas.
The video message will appear on the Rugby Advertiser website on 25th Dec.
Imogen, Beautifully written and delivered. In case my earlier comment disappeared, as I wrote there, I, too, am a priest and rector, although here in America. I have added your excellent blog to my list of ones I read regularly. Thank you for writing. Grace and peace in Christ. Ken
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