I am quite sure that many of you will be wondering where the time has gone: "Christmas is here already once again." This sentiment, whilst being true, is a reminder of how fleeting our time on this earthly plane really is. It is also a stark reminder to all of us as to whether we have lived our lives in accordance with our Lord’s commandments. This should be our over-riding thought throughout Advent As we approach Christmas. Look to the welfare of our immortal souls while eagerly awaiting our Lord’s Seco nd coming.

     As Advent progresses this sobering thought gives way to the joy that we feel at Christmas: the joy of sharing this special time with loved ones and family. the joy that giving brings, and the joy of opening gifts.

     On that first Christmas some 2,000 years ago, God became Incarnate and we (God’s people) received the most wonderful gift of all-a saviour who would take all of our sins upon Himself and die so that we might have everlasting life. This is no trifling gift to be taken for granted, to exchange for something else after Christmas, or stored away in some cupboard or dark box. This is the proverbial gift that keeps giving, and it costs us nothing.

     If this gift is accepted, we can carry it with us for as long as we live. This gift never breaks, does not run out of batteries, and becomes more meaningful the longer we have it. For these reasons it brings joy to all of us, young and old. If we have joy in our lives we can affect those around us, we can help those in need, we can bring love and kindness where none exists, and we can live our own lives according to God's will secure in the knowledge that out eternal reward waits. This is something worth living for!

     The next time you find yourselves wondering where the time went, think upon what I have said above; think about whether you have spent your time wisely and lived up to your potential made possible through Christ. If not, it is never too late to start. If any of you need a reminder of this, think upon what this parish was doing at this time last year. Did any of you foresee the events of this past year in the parish? Let us forge ahead in the expectation of great things and celebrate the opportunity we have all been given. Let us lead our lives in the fullness of our faith and let us "show-off" the gift that we celebrate coming into our lives at this time of year.

Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas,

Tony+