Dear Friends,
Jesus called his disciples friends for that is what we are – no longer strangers in Christ, in the One Spirit, we belong to each other. Jn15:15
As friends we have the capacity, mainly, to meet the needs of our neighbour. As I drove through Canterbury last week by the East Station there are a number of tents beside the road; there has been for many months now. The tents are not sturdy and the sight of a pushchair made me wonder as I trawled through the traffic – is there a small child living here? Perhaps the pushchair is simply a useful item for transporting belongings – I do hope so. The stark reality of life on the streets, tent or no tent, cannot and should not be ignored – and living by the side of the road the occupants invite us to face that truth.
It is not enough to say that Mary and Joseph, had nowhere to stay, gave birth to their firstborn in a makeshift home, and shortly afterwards had to make a run for it as their baby sons life was in danger – albeit entirely true and the events are full of meaning – but it is not enough to simply enjoy the ancient story and offer nothing to those whose lives look somewhat similar.
These are not the easiest of days for any of us; the news is largely desperate and nearly everything is creaking at the seams – we know that.
So all the more we must befriend, care, show love, extend grace, help and assist. Not from a place of guilt, or ‘I ought to’, but from a heart of compassion – that notes that what we offer is Christlike and unto Christ – who said ‘when I needed clothes you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ – and as we ask Jesus ‘when did I do that?’ The answer comes ‘when you did it for any of those who are in need…’ Matthew 25:35-40
Advent is leading us onward towards the gift – the hope and peace of the birth of the Christ child, who brings light to the world ongoingly. Eternally. May this Christ light be your fuel, your aspiration and your source of comfort this Christmas as we give thanks for each other and the shared air that we breathe: the Holy Spirit that encourages, the prayer that transforms, the action that makes a difference…the Prince of Peace made known in our midst.
The Living Well will be closed from 21st December until Thursday 2nd January.
Over these winter weeks numerous repairs are being made to the property, so we may be slightly disrupted; but please still come, we love to see you dear friends!
Our adopted verse for 2025 is Romans 15:13 and so I use it as a Christmas blessing:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lorraine – and all the team: Hilary, Ray, Helen, Annelise, Martin and Trustees