Who dreams it up? A boxer dog bouncing on a trampoline? Foxes, badgers and squirrels in perfect harmony? Puleease. Except, but don’t tell anyone, it all makes me happy. But how have they done it? The advent of Christmas announced by the arrival of an advert from John Lewis. (Other seasonal adverts also available.)
I love Christmas. It’s not the marketing I’m waiting for. I can’t wait to hear the familiar readings and stories of the birth of Jesus. I love singing carols (although being ‘up front’ I miss singing the harmonies) and I shiver with anticipation at ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory … full of grace and truth’.
But I do think sometimes there’s too much truth (don’t tell the Bishop) and not enough grace. Second only to those at funerals are the rows which fester at Christmas. Too much spending, too much work and possibly (?) too much drinking can provoke a seasonal outbreak of ‘telling it as it is’. And of course what’s said then is remembered for years to come. And revisited annually.
So perhaps a little less telling it as it is and a little more grace and forgiveness would be better suited to the season? Imagine – for a moment – putting all the people who will be sitting around your table on Christmas Day bouncing together on a trampoline. Not sure we would do the perfect harmony bit too well.
Or maybe a more practical suggestion? Instead of having ‘table presents’ (who invented those?) how about a letter or card to everyone telling them how great they are, how much you appreciate them, how much you love them. Yes you can. Really. Buy a new pen.
That’s the real message of Christmas. Love. God so loved us that he sent Jesus to tell us how much we are loved.
Not long now. Better start writing …
Looking forward to seeing you all at the Christmas Services.
Blessings
The Revd Janet Tebby
01664 474096