From the Vicarage - December

The Church of England's 2024 theme for the festive season ahead is:-

“Follow the Star: Calm and Bright”.

Those who are well versed in ‘all things Christmas’ will realise that the words draw upon two traditional, well-loved Carols.

The reference to “Following the Star” brings to mind those apparently wise and studious individuals (We Three Kings) who after contemplating the night skies set out on their hope-filled journey. Although traditionally in church we do not greet those star-gazing individuals until after the first flush of Christmas (January 6th / Epiphany is the day we celebrate the arrival of the Magi or Kings), we should always remember that they are a silent presence throughout our whole celebration of Christmas. It is just that they are still faithfully putting one foot, or one camel hoof, in front of the other and haven’t yet quite reached their destination. I have always loved the fun tradition of positioning the three Kings of the nativity-set somewhere in the church, or in my own home, at a distance away from the rest of the nativity scene and gradually moving them a little closer over the period between 24/25th December and 6th January. Day by day, or when I remember, they inch their way to the heart of Christmas while the rest of us all party on regardless. They eventually make it, but by the time they do, others are busy packing ‘all things Christmas’ safely away for another year! Those mysterious late arrivals remind us that the light of stars and love, and the hope and faith found in the manger are not gifts offered for one day only, or even one short season of the year. They are on offer for stragglers and late comers; they are available all year round!

But what of the “Calm and Bright” of our opening phrase – words from the world-famous carol, Silent Night? Will there be Calm in our frenetic build up to ‘all things Christmas’? If we realise already that it is unlikely to be so – how can we create some space for breathing in the calm and peace we need, for breathing out the calm and peace which others crave, for sharing the life-giving calm and peace for which our troubled world longs?

Finally, to borrow (and adapt) from a slightly different genre of seasonal song, my hope and prayer for you all this season would be that “Your Christmas Days be Merry and Bright!” But may they also give you moments to share the beauty of Calm and peace, and may the love and joy at the heart of this season continue to accompany you well beyond the first flush of ‘all things Christmas’.

Love and Prayers

Carolyn - The Rev’d Carolyn A James