Caerwent Evangelical Baptist Chapel
NEWSLETTER
December 2001
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Dear Friends Some Christians regard what we call Christmas as nothing but a pagan festival, and they ignore it. Others have seriously suggested that Christmas in the Christian sense certainly needs separating from its secular rival even if a complete divorce is deemed too difficult. For myself, there is much about Christmas that I like - Childrens' parties, the giving and receiving of presents, decorations - outdoors and in, and people getting together and enjoying each others company etc. And if no such mid-winter break existed - then somebody would surely have to invent it! But there is a "downside", even a darker side to the secular Christmas. The commercial pressures upon poorer families are cruel. And well-meaning parents are tempted to spend far more than they can reasonably afford. I am told, sadly, that in some families there is more strife and tension at this time of the year than any other. And children are clearly taught that material things matter most. In our wonderftil "free" society, you can have anything you like - as long as somebody makes a profit out of your pleasure. Morality -Christian or any other- counts for very little. As Christians, we simply rejoice in the birth of Jesus. As Christians, we are thankful to God for sending his Son into our world. As Christians, we have good news we want to share with everybody. As Christians, we find joy in giving. As Christians, we worship Christ - our Saviour, Lord and God. Eddie Jones Pastor |