Thought for the week - 11 December 2006

Christmas Journeys

‘We shall go by night to search for the source of life thirst alone shall be our guide’

Christmas is all about journeys and I don’t mean just about journeys to the shops to buy toys and presents, or journeys to the supermarket to buy food.

If we really want to enter into the Advent and Christmas Season we have to go on a journey.  The journey is one of watching and waiting for Christ to come into our world, into our homes and into our hearts, for Jesus to be born in us anew this Christmas.  We have to go on a journey to prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus Christ into our lives.

Mary was on a journey, as are all mothers who are with child, carrying the new life within her.  Mary and Joseph had to go on a long a difficult journey to register for the Census in Jerusalem.  The shepherds had to go on a journey from their hillsides, to heed the angels’ song that the Saviour had been born into the world.  The star gazers, the wise men, go on a journey to search for and bring gifts to the new-born King.  I hope, like those at the very first Christmas 2000 years ago, that you can join our Advent and Christmas journey this year. 

May Christ, the light of the world, cast all darkness before your path and bring his Love and Light into your world as we journey towards Christmas 2006.

Reverend Nigel Marns

Vicar: St John’s and St Andrew’s Churches