Revd Marilyn Zipfel
Lead Chaplain, James Paget University Hospital
 

As Chaplain at James Paget University Hospital I meet many wonderful people including patients, staff, visitors and relatives. Each has a different connection to the hospital

Christmas is a special time for families. We in the Chaplaincy are very aware that a spell in hospital can disrupt normal family activities so we endeavour to help by having a Christmas tree in the Chapel decorated with ‘named’ stars, by organising Carol Services and by Carol Singing around the wards

On Sunday 2^nd December at 3pm in the Chapel we are holding our annual Starlight Service when we remember precious much-loved stillborn children ... and on Saturday 22^nd December at 3pm we would like to welcome you all to a Carol Service as we sing some favourite carols

The need for families and friends to be together at Christmas is strong. I recall as children, my brother and I were both in hospital over Christmas in order to have our tonsils removed. Unfortunately we were patients in different hospitals – both about 10 miles from home but in different directions ... and in those days our parents didn’t have any transport! Nevertheless, they managed to visit both of us on Christmas Day in the different hospitals and spend quality time together

 

This year the season of Advent begins on 2^nd December. Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas. During Advent we might ‘trim’ our homes, set up Christmas trees and lights, shop until we drop, spend time together and buy gifts for loved ones ... all in order to celebrate the birth of a God-Child over 2000 years ago
 

Whichever presents you might be given to unwrap this year, I pray that you will find health, happiness and the courage, curiosity and opportunity to call upon the name of Jesus as you spend time with those you love
 

 

Thoughts before Christmas

‘Don’t be thinking Christmas yet – 
 we just reached December.’
We, that’s what people tell me,
But why? Don’t they remember                                                                                                 
2 000 years have passed                                                                                                                    
since Jesus came to earth?
So I shall give my whole life long                                                                                             
to celebrate his birth
 
... Sophie Piper (adapted)