ready for christmas?

Christmas cards and advent calendars have been in the shops for weeks, the Christmas adverts are showing on TV and pubs and hotels alike are inviting us to dine with them on the great day. “I don't believe it!” as one famous TV OAP would say. “It only seems like yesterday that I was putting these decorations away and here I am pulling them out of the loft again already.” Yes, in case you hadn't noticed, the countdown has begun again!

Every morning at this time, millions of tiny cardboard trapdoors are being opened or torn off to reveal a picture, a chocolate shape or even a miniature trinket or toy. And yes it must be millions, because I know as many adults who like to have an advent calendar as I do children - I even know some who have more than one! They obviously want to be doubly well-prepared.

It seems confectioners and retailers have cornered the market in anticipation: they both re-kindle the embers of our own childish excitement as the great day draws near and remind us (like we need reminding?) how much we've still got to do before it arrives. Yet if so many of us have these calendars why is it that so many of us still get behind in our preparations? Why do we never seem to have enough time to be ready? Christmas Day still finds many of us unprepared and worn out, worrying about something we think we've forgotten!

In earlier centuries, Advent (which means ‘an arrival or coming, especially of one who is awaited’) was principally a time of religious preparation, although it also had some festal customs. Nowadays it seems that the balance has turned - our pre-Christmas preparations are focused more on our festal ‘customs’ than on our religious preparation.

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Editor: Mac Parry
Published by
St Peter's Church, Wellesbourne

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Advent never was just about the coming of ‘Christmas’, and being prepared for it; it was about being prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Saviour, Immanuel, ‘God with us’. But sadly in today's post-modern age there seems to be no more room for Him now than there was then. This year the Post Office have printed ‘religious’ and ‘secular’ stamps and we, the customers, have to choose which we want. Many think the Post Office will not print religious ones again if they are not very popular this year - so please ask for Religious stamps!

So what can we do to break out of this routine? A few suggestions: re-read the Christmas story for yourself; why not read it to your children or grandchildren if you have them? Have a religious Advent calendar, even though it probably means no chocolate inside! Give a prominent space in your house to a nativity set if you have one (and if not, why not get one?). And finally, why not visit a church over Christmas, there are many services on offer, and sing some carols. Christmas day services in the village are very exciting, especially for children!

So, as you open the trapdoors, eat the chocolate or wonder what to do with the miniature trinket you find inside, prepare to have a good Christmas, but remember also what Christmas is really about - and be well-prepared personally to celebrate His coming.

Light looked down and saw darkness: ‘I will go there,’ said Light.
Peace looked down and saw war: ‘I will go there,’ said Peace.
Love looked down and saw hatred: ‘I will go there,’ said Love
So He, the Lord of Light, the Prince of Peace, the King of Love, came down and crept in beside us.
(© 1997 WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland)

I hope you have a great Advent and a peaceful Christmas. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Andy

Rev Andy Laird
(Minister, Wellesbourne Methodist Church)