As I write this during the first week of January there is still evidence of Christmas all around me – all waiting to be put away until next year. And that got me thinking – I wonder if we are tempted to put Jesus away along with the tree, the decorations and the left over Christmas cards?
There’s a beautiful prayer that I often use at Christmas time which perhaps helps us to think about what our response to Christmas could 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 flocks
Lord, grant us the grace to begin the real work of Christmas.
As Jesus brought peace, turn us into peacemakers.
As Jesus brought hope, make us messengers of hope.
As Jesus brought love, rekindle love in us
So that the birth of the baby in Bethlehem may bring a new beginning to our own lives
and to those we meet. Amen
As you read this, time will have moved on and we will be fast approaching St Valentine’s Day, another day of celebration and love. Perhaps on February 14th 2017, you can look back to Christmas, give thanks and respond to the greatest act of love that the world has ever known – God come down to earth. And as you do, ponder the words of the prayer above, and ask God to show you what your response might be.
With my best wishes for 2017
Ros
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