For many as Advent comes each year around the beginning of December, so does a period of frantic activity, lots of work, socializing and shopping! Advent is supposed to be a time of quiet, reflection and preparation for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas, but for many (at times including me!) it is anything but quiet and reflective. In the churches across the benefice I have been recommending that people take some time out of all the hussle and bustle of life, to read an Advent book each day called ‘A handful of light’ by Michael Mitton, to help regain some of this quiet and reflection. Reading a book like this is probably not for everyone, but why not try to make sure each day in December we all do get 10 minutes to ourselves to stop and think about what we are doing and why we are doing it. As a Christian, I believe that love came down at that first Christmas, love that dwells in each of us. It is important to give space to that in our hearts, and remember the ‘reason for the season’ as they say!
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year, and thank you all for the warmth of your welcome, and for the many acts of kindness that I have received as I head rapidly towards the end of my first year here as your priest.
With love in Christ
Alison Way
Rev’d Alison Way – 01793 739044 – alisonway@tiscali.co.uk
The Vicarage, Wood Street Clyffe Pypard, Wilts, SN4 7PY
