As a youngster I always used to feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as the last few days before Christmas arrived. Even though I soon discovered that Christmas is only one day, and it’s soon over, the celebrations and traditions associated with Christmas are always planned, prepared for, and looked forward to. For me, growing up in England, it was always all about Christmas puddings and mince pies, and turkey stuffings…and going carol singing around the village with torches and lanterns in the dark evenings. (None of which seems real or relevant in the middle of summer – so, just fond memories!)
Part of our Ilam “tradition”, though, is to engage with the season of Advent, the month before Christmas, looking forward to (and preparing our hearts!! I have really missed our normal Advent gatherings – and, especially, the chance they bring to inflict on you weird old Christmas carols from the past!! This is my last chance, though, and this traditional carol is sitting in my mind this week, as Christmas looms large! (There is a very silly Muppets version on YouTube – but I think the words are enough.)
Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat
Please do put a penny in the old man’s hat
If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do
If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!
I’m sure there’s a story behind these words – but probably lost way back in the mists of time! As you prepare for Christmas, though, and the holidays which lie beyond, with all the anticipation and excitement that they bring, my prayer is that you will have a deep sense of Christ in you and with you over this season, that you will enjoy lots of time with friends and family that will encourage you – and that you will find plenty of time to rest from the busy-ness of the year that has passed.
Merry Christmas to everyone.