WORD FOR THE WEEK
NOVEMBER has been a time of remembrance – it started with All Saints’ Day, followed closely by Remembrance Sunday.
This year, especially, I was struck by just how many people, young and old, marked the remembrance. A very poignant time.
At this time of year we start looking back on the year that has gone, remembering its highs and lows. Perhaps we look back and think of a happy time with family and friends, a holiday enjoyed in the summer weather, a time away from the stresses of everyday life, or a kindness shown to us, an exam passed, or achievement accomplished.
For some there may be sad times to look back upon. My father died last January, so this year has been one of adjusting to a new situation. There’s been and will be all the “firsts” to get through – the first Christmas, anniversary, birthday and so on.
So I look back on this year as one of change. We are fortunate indeed if we have family, friends and community to stand with us at these times.
In the Christian calendar, as December begins, we move to the season of Advent – the countdown to Christmas – which starts this coming Sunday.
Advent is another time of remembering – this time remembering the journey of a refugee couple, one of whom was heavily pregnant.
Sharing in their journey, we think of our own journey in life too, marked and shaped as it is by circumstance, opportunity and choices.
Each week in Advent we shall light a candle, counting down to the big day, when Christians will remember the coming of God in human form, in a tiny, frail, vulnerable, needy child. I hope that this Advent season will give you time, during all the rush and busyness of preparing for Christmas, to remember the joys and sorrows of the passing year and find faith, hope and love for the one that is to come.