President’s Blog: 1st December 2022
Greetings!
Time seems to be flying past and Advent seems to have come very quickly this year; probably because I am busy as there are lots of things happening. This morning Radio 2 announced that it was the start of Christmas and played a whole hour of Christmas songs! They seemed to think that we had not had proper Christmases for the last two years and so were making up for lost time! Perhaps we need reminding that Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas – the birth of Jesus, a time of waiting and a time of hope.
Our District held a ‘Love and Light’ Event last week. The weather was dreadful, but it didn’t put people off. They arrived somewhat bedraggled but full of anticipation, glad to be joining together again and looking forward to the various workshops. There was a Bible Study, based on Simeon and Anna, and a workshop about Advent traditions. One group made vases out of pages of a magazine to which they could add flowers to grace their table for Christmas Dinner. Another group used some of our Anniversary candles which, after peeling off the MWiB logo, were decorated with Christmas symbols and pictures. We still have quite a number of the candles left so that could be an idea for groups next year! All made using recyclable materials. The final group learned a Christmas song in harmony. Each person was able to choose two activities.
We held a ‘Show and Tell’ service in the afternoon, led by me, when each group took a part and we listened to the choir sing the song they had learned. We celebrated Advent even though it was a trifle early! A Fair Trade stall was available, laden with Christmas cards as well as items suitable for gifts and of course, the MWiB resources. We concluded our day with tea, cakes and mince pies.
As we prepare for Christmas in this season of Advent, I hope you will shed some love and light in your areas and local communities. It will be a tough time for many people, especially families on low incomes, refugees and those seeking asylum. The Methodist theme for this year is ‘The Greatest Commandment’:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.f” Matthew 22:37-39
Let us spread that love, for all our neighbours both here and in the wider world and spread the light of Christ this Advent.
Blessings
Ruth
