The Rectory, Mickleham
for November 2010/January 2011

Dear friends,

I suspect many of us are haunted by the word ‘cuts’. They have made headline news for weeks now, as have our reactions to them. One comment intrigued me. ‘It will be a bleak Christmas for many families this year.’ The commentator was, of course, referring to the fact that many people will have less disposable income, and will therefore be unable to afford all the material trappings of the festive season. In the same paper there was an article exploring the evidence which suggests that many of us are re-evaluating our priorities, in part prompted by economic factors, and by an awareness that everyone will be required to make some sacrifices if all elements of society are to survive these harsh economic times.

The events on which our festivities are based at Christmas do, in fact, provide indicators as to the way forward. The birth of Jesus was in the most simple of surroundings. No royal palace for this King, nor parents of noble birth. A reminder that all of us should live more simply in order that others can simply live. The first visitors were not laden down with presents; they were shepherds whose only recorded gift was their gratitude that ‘God had been born as one of them, bringing hope into their lives’.

How often do we reflect on our own good fortune, and express our thankfulness to someone other than ourselves? The whole nativity scene is marked by a sense of selflessness. Mary risked being rejected by her friends for suggesting the birth was the will of God. Joseph put his pride to one side and married Mary, not knowing whose baby she was carrying. The Wise Men journeyed for months, not knowing whether or not their journey would end as they hoped. Selflessness is something we all need to embrace, before we react to the current financial situation by fighting our own corner, whatever the cost to others.

This Christmas may not be dominated by the material, but it could be an occasion for all of us to re-evaluate our lives in the light of this most celebrated of births, that of Jesus.

There are plenty of opportunities to join in celebrations within our community. The Christingle service on Sunday 5th December is preceded by the Children’s Workshop on Saturday 4th December at 10 a.m. This service raises funds and awareness of the work of the Children’s Society among some of society’s most needy children. Box Hill School is holding its Carol Service at Guildford Cathedral for the first time that same afternoon at 3 p.m. If you would like to attend please make contact with the school as soon as possible.

The Choral Society has its Carol Party on Friday 17th December. Our service of Nine Lessons and Carols is on Sunday 19th December at 6.30 p.m. and there will be mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.

Details of the Christmas Services, including the ever popular Children’s Nativity in the Bethlehem Barn are in the Christmas card which I hope all of you have [who receive the magazine] received with this magazine.

Meanwhile I trust the New Year will be a promising one for us all, and one in which gratitude, thoughtfulness and concern for others may continue to be characteristics of our community.

With every good wish, as ever
David Ireland