FROM THE VICAR

My dear People,

The December letter is not an easy one to write. With Christmas approaching there is much to say and yet there is the feeling that, even in four years, I have said it all before. Of course, it is all summed up in my deeply sincere wish that you all have a very happy and peaceful Christmas. As an expansion of this, I would wish that your happiness and peace of mind be based squarely upon the child Jesus and his parents in that Bethlehem stable so many years ago. But for this "coming in the flesh" of Christ, the Son of God, we would have nothing to celebrate, nothing to live for. Amid all the rush of shopping and parties and Christmas cards I would ask each one of you who reads this to pause at the end of each day and remember this fact; and, as you pause, to say slowly that wonderful prayer of Robert Louis Stevenson printed on another page of this issue.

Let us not forget either all the other things of importance - our Christmas communion (expected of all confirmed members), our worship as a family; also the loneliness of some in our own village, the homelessness and hunger of many overseas. Let our spending constantly take into account the needs of these unfortunate people. One last word to parents of children. You almost certainly promised at their baptism to see that they "be brought up to lead a Christian life". Christmas is a major Christian festival. How can you be keeping this promise unless you bring them to church at this time? There are several opportunities, especially the Gift Service and the Blessing of the Crib, and it does not matter if the Under 4s make a noise.

My wife joins with me in sending warm Christmas greetings. May God bless you all.

Your sincere friend and Vicar,

JOHN GREEN.

CHRISTMAS DAY

11.30 p.m. (Christmas Eve), Holy Communion (Sung).

8.00 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., Holy Communion.

10.30 a.m., Mattins and Sermon.

6.30 p.m., Evensong (said),