Marsh Baldon News

From the Vicar Dec 2009

Dear Friends,

Are you ready for Christmas? I wonder how many times you'll be asked that and

whether, even come Christmas Eve, you'll feel ready for Christmas. In the run-up to

Christmas there seem to be so many things to do - cards to write, presents to buy and

wrap, food to prepare, the house to decorate. Sometimes, by the time Christmas

actually arrives, we can feel we've had enough of carols and Santa Claus!

All our celebrations are important - it is important to spend time with those we love,

to keep in touch with people, even if only by exchanging a card once a year, and to

hold onto the magic we see on children's faces as they look to see whether Santa has

been.

But Christmas can also be a difficult time. In the current economic climate, many

will feel under pressure to spend more than they can afford, and for those who have

been bereaved or suffered a family breakdown, the celebrations can seem bittersweet

indeed.

So, in the midst of all your preparations, take time to notice your neighbours. And,

above all, take time to remember the reason for all this celebrating - that God loves

each one of us, and sent his Son to be born as the baby of Bethlehem and to live

amongst us. John Betjeman summed up the real magic of Christmas, our real cause

for celebration, in his poem ‘Christmas':

And is it true? And is it true?

This most tremendous tale of all,

Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,

A Baby in an ox's stall?

The Maker of the stars and sea

Become a Child on earth for me?

May God grant you a peaceful and joyful Christmas, and a blessed New Year.

Hannah Cleugh

Curate

Revd Ros Latham is Team vicar for The Baldons, Berinsfield and Drayton St Leonard