Let the Fun Begin ...

Well tomorrow is the first of many Christmas and Carol Services for me.  The Christmas trees are in place and the decorations are all up - and I love it!

I think the Christmas tree here at the Vicarage is the best we have had, so all credit to 'Sophie's Christmas Trees' who I bought it from!

I know that there are many Christians who are ambivalent about Christmas, and I am sure we are right to want to present the Christmas message over the next couple of weeks.  We do have to remember, though, that it was us Christians who decided to celebrate our Lord's birth at the time of a pagan festival, so we can't really complain that people just want a good time.

Maybe, while people are relaxed and having a good time, we can invite them to think about what can give long term joy as opposed to short term happiness.  I hope so.

I continue to work on the Christmas Eve sermon.  I am focusing at the moment on this phrase from John 1:

'The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.'

I am not sure I have ever known what it means.  Having spent today with the commentaries, I am even less sure.  All suggestions gratefully received!  Oh, and please don't tell me that it means that Jesus' coming means we will all live happily ever after.  I, for one, am sure that is NOT what it means!

I hope all your own preparations for the Nativity of our Lord are going well.