My Dear Friends,
Three weeks to Christmas at the time of writing, and already thinking Christians are engaging in debate (either mentally with themselves or with others) about the appropriate response to all the materialism that is so evident at this time of year. I write as one who enjoys celebrating Christmas. I like to give and receive presents, and I enjoy the family reunions and parties that take place.
But even I find myself somewhat alarmed at the level of advertising at this time of year, particularly the amount that is directed at children. Top of my list of advertisements that should be banned are the ones that begin with a phrase like “Christmas will not be complete without….”. They usually go on to describe some sort of expensive commodity that I cannot afford, definitely do not need and has nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas.
So I want to use this letter to suggest some things without which Christmas really would not be complete.
The first of these is worship. You will see from this magazine that we have many opportunities this year to come together to remember the real meaning of Christmas and to give thanks to God for the gift of the Christ child. In particular I’m looking forward to conducting our Watchnight Service on Christmas Eve. This is a time to welcome old and new friends to our congregation, so please feel free to invite along family, neighbours and friends. On Christmas Day we also have a special Service at 11.00 a.m.: an informal family service at which all ages will be welcome and the adults might even be allowed to see some of the gifts the young folk have received.
The second indispensable part of Christmas has to be caring for others. This Christmas we again have the opportunity to give gifts to Glasgow City Mission (gifts are being received at the Service on Sunday 18th December). Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Parish Church has a great record of giving to different charities, including the City Mission and the Blythswood shoebox appeal. At Christmas we have to remember those in our world who are less well off.
And the third of the “must have” gifts are the obvious ones. They are priceless, yet they cost us nothing. They come from Jesus: when He is ours and we are His, then we are also given peace, joy and hope. May these great gifts be yours and mine in this coming year of our Lord 2012.
Jennifer joins me in wishing all of you a very happy Christmas.
May God bless you all,
Ian S. Currie
