Just a Minute

Traditionally, Advent is a time for fasting and prayer.

One of the valuable lessons which our faith has to teach, is that periods of cutting-back, of reflection and assessment of our life-styles, are necessary, because in the end we are accountable if we live beyond our means.

Our faith also tells us though, that such periods are to be welcomed, not resented, and this is partly because they teach us that there are more satisfying things in life than the continual pursuit of expensive luxuries.

But also, the rhythm of the church year reminds us always that such periods don't last!

No-one said we weren't to have parties, only we can't do it all the time!

And doing without for a little while now, will bring greater happiness in the future.

At Christmas we will celebrate with great rejoicing the birth of Christ as an child, and we look forward to His second coming at the end of the age, when He will claim the whole world for His own.