Greetings,

Preparation is one of the key themes of Advent.  It is a busy time when we prepare cards, gifts, our homes and food for many who will visit.  It is easy to become so focussed on the work of being ready for Christmas, that we sometimes miss the more necessary things that we might need to be doing.

Howard Thurman (1899 – 1991) was a Quaker Civil Rights Activist.  One of his best known works is a poem entitled The Work of Christmas which suggests what the real work of Christmas might be.

                     When the song of the angels is stilled,
                     When the star in the sky is gone,
                     When the kings and princes are home,
                     When the shepherds are back with their flock,
                     The work of Christmas begins:
                     To find the lost,
                     To heal the broken,
                     To feed the hungry,
                     To release the prisoner,
                     To rebuild the nations,
                     To bring peace among brothers,
                     To make music in the heart.

During Advent we prepare ourselves as we anticipate the birth of Jesus, as well as wait for his return.  On Christmas Day we remember and celebrate the One who came as Emmanuel, God with us.  As well as preparing, anticipating and celebrating, we are called to live following Jesus’ example, and that is work that needs to happen every day of the year.

May we look for opportunities when we can do the real work of Christmas – the real work of life.

Advent Blessings – Heather.