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Viewpoint from Amy Simeons 20/12/2024
 Amy Simeons, Third Order of the Society of St Francis
Advent is the Christian season of preparation, of patience and anticipation, leading up to the birth of Jesus. Children open the doors of their advent calendars from the first Sunday of Advent to Christmas Day on the 25th. As families we anticipate the homecoming of loved ones, a night out with friends and the Christmas Lunch
Advent is also the season to reflect, a time for renewal, a time of hope and to celebrate faith in Jesus Christ. It is a time to prepare for the joy of Christmas and as Christians we look forward to Christ’s second coming. Christ is the light of the world, let us as a nation not neglect one another but meet together in love and hope for the future. Let us not forget those who are less fortunate: the homeless who find themselves on the street, often through no fault of their own; those living in war torn countries; the sick, the hungry and those who grieve for the loss of loved ones. In this season of good will, let us light a candle on Christmas Day for all of them
 It is hard and cruel that so many in our world are in need at this time, but if we are rooted in the love of God we can all feel a closeness like no other. God gives us the feeling of belonging even if we cannot touch, we are all God’s children and he loves each of us no matter what our circumstances. God has his hand in all things, we will come back from difficult times, with love, hope and courage we will build a new future.
Light your candle of warmth, light and faith whilst reaching out to others this blessed Christmastide
A Franciscan Blessing:
May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so, that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor
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