Dear Friends - Christmas 2002

Christian greetings and I wish you "A very happy Christmas and New Year, full of milk and honey."

Christmas can be exciting but also a hectic time as we get involved in arranging parties, family reunions and so on.  The exciting bit is when we share it with others.

A friend of mine in London complained recently that there is a homeless person who comes around at Christmas who doesn't realize it is for the family.  "You could be feeding one of the Angels", I said.

If we miss the opportunity of sharing, then the season doesn't make much sense at all.  There could be a needy family, a lonely neighbour or someone in the next apartment - and to be able to welcome them would bring a real Christmas joy.

Our joy is complete when we open our heart to Jesus and the door of our home to others.  Imagine what a difference it would make if we welcomed new people we meet at Church or some new people at our place at work.  This kind of reaching out can be difficult but be rewarding.

I am aware also that Christmas can be a difficult time for some people.  If you feel you are struggling with Christmas this year, for reasons of grief or any other, this prayer taken from the UCB booklet may be adapted -

"Lord, You know how I feel today because Your Word says You are familiar with grief.  Heal my heart and fill its emptiness.  Become more real to me than the activity without and the loneliness within.  Help me to discover You and in doing so, make this a Christmas like none I've ever known.  Amen."

I do pray that the Lord may touch your lives in special ways and give you peace.  May you and all your loved ones have a lovely Christmas, with best wishes for health and happiness in 2003.

Yours in Christ Jesus

Jerome Munyangaju