NEWSLETTER
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From the Revd. Hugh Trenchard, Vicar. Dear Parishioners Where did we as a Church lose Christmas? Did we give it away? Did we sell it? Was it because we celebrated it in conjunction with Pagan festivals? Is it the fault of the "Coca-Cola" company who in 1886 turned the traditional "Green" clothed Father Christmas, the spirit of the woods and of nature, into the red and white character we revere today? What is all the excitement about? The food, the presents, the family being together - the happiness and safety of them and of friends? For if it is, then it is no wonder that we find ourselves in an X-mas world where X no longer stands for Christ, but for ME and where I AM and what I WANT, what I EXPECT and what I CAN AFFORD! The X-mas world is full of strutting little white, fluffy dogs who render any song ridiculous and compound the myriad lights and fibre optic "trees" giving Santa a winter wonderland of sleighs and snowmen, of elves and fairies, who meet no hardship, no poverty, no lack of basic essentials and certainly no CROSS hovering and pointing to this feast. And let us not forget the thousands of cherubic like creatures with their stars and wreaths - the meaning of which is long lost. Then we have the endless sell of overpriced and over-advertised things which bring discontent and temper when I didn't get what next door did. If this is Christmas, then keep it! I want no part of it. Call it something else and I'll join in. I've no problem with celebration for celebration's sake, no problem with the company of friends, acquaintances or family but PLEASE DON'T CALL IT CHRISTMAS! Decorations? I love them, but if you don't keep the twelve days of Christmas then why take them down in some superstitious panic on January 5th? But, come on, you and I know that not long before supper on Christmas Day, someone will have already said: "Well that's all over for another year!" And there is the apple gone bad; there is the total falseness of over excited anticipation for there was no real "expectation" - Santa had been told by email, letter. FAX and phone orders already placed for Wizard goods and wands; Thunderbirds rise yet again in a sinister resurrection, more real for some than "HIS". Christmas has a real message, not a late 19th or early 20th century "Coca-Cola" one. Christmas is not about acquisition, it is about gifts. It is not about me but about us. It is not about safety for some while others starve. It is not about peace on earth, good will to us, while so many on the streets of this world are tormented by gangs; police; drug dealers; and scorned, when, however politely, they ask for help, by those who in comparison have unimaginable wealth. "Let them work and not smoke! Let them have their children looked after by the proper authorities. Let them pull themselves together" But do you remember Scrooge's sentiments? "Are there no prisons? Are there no work houses?"At least Scrooge was honest in his own self understanding and it took the bitterness of facing life past, present and the terror of the future to give him a vision of the true glory of Christmas. If I finished a Christmas service in the following way, rather than with a traditional blessing, I wonder how many would cheer? How many would boo? How many would walk out and how many simply complain? "May the Christ Child haunt your every waking hour; May He fill your dreams with the horrors of His own birth and life; May He confront you with His reality and not with the "Matrix-like" world you seem to prefer."He has always blessed you and still does; He has always loved you and still does; He cried for you and died for you and still does; He has called so many times and met your deaf rejection and yet He still calls! So go into His world. Find first His Peace then take it into your life. Only then will you see the world as He does and only then will you truly love.
With every blessing and every good wish for Christmas and the New Year.
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