Time to cancel Christmas?
THERE'S BEEN SO MUCH CONTROVERSY about religious symbols over the last few
months I was wondering whether the time has come for Christians to cancel
Christmas, so that the government can replace it with a less offensive Winter
Festival. Historians tell us that Jesus was more likely to have been born in
September or October - so if the date's wrong, why not?
Let me tell you why not - the Christmas story is as relevant today as it ever was! Let me introduce you to the Christmas family and see whether it rings any bells for you..
Mary, the Christmas Mum - a young woman wondering whether she will be able to cope with demands of motherhood and fearing the criticism of others.
Joseph, the Christmas Dad - a hard-working bloke struggling to make ends meet, but facing ridicule amongst his peers if he 'does the right thing'.
Jesus, the Christmas Child - a vulnerable baby born into the harsh reality of a difficult world, but nonetheless more valuable than any earthly gift could ever be.
At Lode Chapel we'll be thinking about the Christmas Family this Advent and invite you and your family to join us. Everyone is welcome to any of the services - but here are two special invitations:
Christmas Mums (and Dads and Grandparents etc.) are invited to bring toddlers along to take part in the Toddler Nativity which is part of the family service at Lode Chapel on Sunday 10th December.
Christmas Children are invited to nag their parents to bring them along to Bottisham Community Primary School on 24th December for a special Christmas Club with carols and activities for all the family.