December - the Nayland and Wiston Community Website
December - the Nayland and Wiston Community Website
December - the Nayland and Wiston Community Website
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Christmas Presents<br />
<strong>Nayl<strong>and</strong></strong> with Wissington <strong>Community</strong> Times<br />
At Christmas we blame <strong>the</strong> Magi for <strong>the</strong> tradition of giving presents. Perhaps we can learn a thing or<br />
two from <strong>the</strong>m. They sweep into <strong>the</strong> simple Christmas story, with its small rural town atmosphere, bringing<br />
<strong>the</strong> exotic aromas of <strong>the</strong> distant East. We imagine <strong>the</strong>m richly robed <strong>and</strong> bearing precious gifts. Their<br />
gifts tell us about <strong>the</strong>m. Gold, frankincense <strong>and</strong> myrrh are proof of <strong>the</strong>ir wealth <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir ancient<br />
cultures. But <strong>the</strong> gifts also speak to us about <strong>the</strong> child who receives <strong>the</strong>m: gold for a king, frankincense<br />
to bless, <strong>and</strong> unite with God, <strong>and</strong> myrrh in preparation for death.<br />
Perhaps <strong>the</strong> best gifts we ever give have <strong>the</strong>se two elements. They express something of ourselves: our<br />
generosity, our thoughtfulness, but maybe too our main interests such as music or reading; or our skills:<br />
woodturning or h<strong>and</strong>icraft or whatever. They also show our underst<strong>and</strong>ing of <strong>the</strong> recipient <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir tastes <strong>and</strong><br />
interests; our knowledge of what <strong>the</strong>y would really value or enjoy.<br />
At Christmas we remember how God expressed himself in his word made flesh - his gift to <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
In Jesus he offers all that he knows we most need : a place to call our spiritual home, a friend in good times<br />
<strong>and</strong> bad <strong>and</strong> endless chances to begin again. In short a way, a truth <strong>and</strong> a life which are more fulfilling than<br />
any o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
We all know <strong>the</strong> feeling of disappointment when our gifts are not appreciated. We also know that <strong>the</strong> least<br />
exciting gifts on Christmas Day often become <strong>the</strong> most valued. God is not like us, he offers his gifts every day<br />
of <strong>the</strong> year. He accepts our indifference or rejection <strong>and</strong> patiently awaits <strong>the</strong> day when we discover a use for<br />
what he offers.<br />
I hope we will be able to give of ourselves this Christmas <strong>and</strong> to be able to value <strong>the</strong> gifts we are offered by<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> by God every day of <strong>the</strong> year.<br />
So do have a wonderful Christmas <strong>and</strong> a joy-filled New Year<br />
Kit Gray<br />
Weekday Services<br />
Parkers Way<br />
<strong>Nayl<strong>and</strong></strong> House<br />
Pram & Toddler Service<br />
Bible Study<br />
3pm Weds <strong>December</strong> 2 nd , January 6 th , February 3 rd<br />
Every Weds 10.45am<br />
Thurs 9.30am <strong>December</strong> 10 th , January 14 th<br />
Mons 7.30pm, 18 Laburnum Way <strong>December</strong> 7 th & 21 st , January 4 th & 18 th , February 1 st<br />
THE ANNUAL<br />
CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE<br />
St. James' Church<br />
Sunday 20th <strong>December</strong><br />
at 6.30pm<br />
Following <strong>the</strong> c<strong>and</strong>lelit Service, with traditional Carols <strong>and</strong> Lessons,<br />
enjoy a glass of wine <strong>and</strong> a mince pie before <strong>the</strong> journey home!!<br />
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