There is something wonderful about Christmas, in spite of all the shopping and preparations, something we can’t quite put our finger on, which makes us look forward to it each year. This very fact also makes it a difficult time for many who experience loss or loneliness or who are struggling at this time of year. There’s a magic to familiar things, especially when seen through the eyes of children: lights shining from winter windows; hark the herald angels sing in supermarket foyers; icy fingers, mulled wine, and mince pies; chocolate advent calendars counting down to Christmas morning, “can I have my chocolate for breakfast, mum? Can I, Can I?”; the ripping of wrapping paper and eyes lit up with excitement. I remember when our eldest child was about 6 or 7 years old. He took the Jesus figure from the nativity at his grandma’s house, to show her what he had found , “Look Gran, baby Jesus!” to which came the reply, “Very good, now put ...
Remembrance Reflection By Rev. Phil Burrows Many of you will know that I served in the Regular Army before offering for ordination as a vicar in the Church of England. 20 years later that led me to join the Army as a chaplain – no experience in life is ever wasted! As a result, Remembrance Sunday holds particular significance for me. I would love you to join us for our 10.00am Holy Communion Service on 10 th November, or at least for the Act of Remembrance on Gatley Green, gathering at 10.45am. In 2017 I had the privilege of conducting a re-dedication and a re-burial in Ypres, known as ‘Wipers’ to the Tommies fighting in the First World War. Such was the scale of loss in the fighting and so horrendous were the conditions of mud and swamp as a result of continuous shelling, that human remains are still surfacing from the land over 100 years later! I was impressed by the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. ...