Thought for the Week from the Rev David Jones (we 25th December 2011)

I had to return an item I had bought to one of the larger stores and the young man who served me was extremely courteous and more than helpful.

He told me that he was hoping to go far in retailing and on a training scheme for store management.

It was then he asked me what I did I said I was a Minister of a local church he seemed quite impressed. Then shaking his head he said. ‘I’m glad for you Mr Jones, you can open on Christmas Day and we have to close on what could be the best money spinner of the year!’

For a moment I was lost for words! So I thanked him, wished him a happy Christmas and said that we were indeed open on Christmas Day and that he was welcome to come along! We will have to wait and see!

Could it be that we have gone down the path of seeing Christmas as just a frenzy of spending and a rush to the tills that we have lost the real joy and peace of this very special day? If so we need to take a step back and to celebrate that in great poverty and loneliness God’s greatest gift was given to the world.

That’s why we need to unwrap God’s gift of Christmas carefully and to find, despite all the Xmas hype and distractions find the baby Jesus, born for us and who gives us lasting peace and goodwill.

May His love dispel our fears and instill new hope in our hearts because Jesus. God’s richest blessing be with you and yours this very special day!

Rev. David Jones

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