Advent wreaths and Christmass trees

Here is a shot of the beautiful Advent Wreath which Emma Mills has made for the Church. It should excite all those booked on the forthcoming ‘Advent Wreath Workshop’- where in ‘Generation Game’ fashion – you can make one of your very own following a swift demonstration!! Further details on the weekly bulletin! Those not wishing to make wreaths can simply consume mulled wine and eat minced pies…that sounds more like my ticket! No doubt photographs will appear after the event!|

I also mention Christmass trees because they pose a real problem to anyone trying to keep a good Advent. Last year I went to the garden centre on December 22nd only to be ridiculed. The staff laughed aloud at my request and assured me that; ‘Christmas is nearly over, mate’ (in that foul estuary twang). To which I held my head high and replied ‘it has not even begun’- which far from convincing them – just left them staring at me as though I needed psychiatric help!! I probably do…but not in my purchase of festive foliage.

Fret not though- I exacted a swift and cruel revenge by boring them with an unecessarily long lecture about the richness of the Church Kalendar as compared to the shallow promise of a secular yuletide! Rant over I felt emotionally restored……but had to make do with the most wretched and unwanted spruce in all of Christendom! And there is the rub….how to get the balance between a pious Advent and not turning into Ebeneezer Scrooge. for then the danger is that you miss the festivities altogether.

So this year I plan to get my tree early (maybe Monday even) but will keep it in the garden till I see fit! Ha! Gotcha secular tree seller! And I shall try to enjoy every party on offer (both of them!) whilst balancing all the secular fun with moments of prayer and reflection. And then the real bonus is that I can enjoy the true fun of the whol Christmass season too- when others have long forgotten it! I end with another shot of our wreath- the first candle of which will be lit by the children tomorrow.

Lord help me to keep a good and holy Advent. Help me to find time for prayer, penitence and piety – that I may find room in my heart for you when Christmass finally comes. Amen.