Christmas Update - 2022
Dear sisters and brothers
Despite the fact that the shops and advertisers started their countdown to Christmas weeks ago, this coming Sunday is the beginning of Advent: the season of preparation for our Christmas celebrations. And despite the fact that there are already Christmas lights flashing in some of my neighbour’s windows and even the occasional Christmas tree, I have been taken by surprise at how quickly we have reached this time of year. I can’t tell you the number of conversations that I have had with people who have spoken about how fast the days, weeks and months seem to be flying by. Perhaps it has something to do with our still recovering from the COVID lockdowns: the last of the restrictions were only lifted a few months ago.
Ironically, Advent is meant to be a season to slow down and reflect, but for many the weeks before Christmas seem to get busier and more frantic. This year, in particular, which should be the first ‘normal’ Christmas in 3 years, there may be added excitement and added pressure. The challenge facing us, therefore, is how we can make Advent a time in which we draw closer to God: gaining a better understanding and a greater experience of what the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ means for us. After all, it was into a busy, frantic, “mad-mad-world” that Jesus was born to bring peace. If we can make Advent a time when there is space to listen to God and to reflect upon our lives, then we may well find these habits carry on into the coming year.
In order to make space for such moments of peace, it may be that we need to cut something out of our lives; but it can be just as useful to add something in. Advent is a good time to try and create space in your day and your week to spend time in the Bible, in prayer and in silence. If you don’t already use the church’s daily prayers – online, on the phone or on your own – now might be a good time to start. We have a special set of Advent prayers for each day – please ask if you need a copy. If you are yet to return to our services, the Advent services on a Sunday morning are a good opportunity to do so as they are always both fun and thoughtful. If you are coming this Sunday can I ask you to bring a sock with you. All will be explained. As well as the usual words and notices attached to this letter there is also an “Advent Scroll” which is relevant to the service and has an exercise and prayer to use during the week. Information is also attached about the various services and events we are planning.
Christmas is coming – we know that for certain. Certain too is the coming of life’s surprises, joys and struggles. And certain is the coming again of Christ. Whatever you do, I would encourage you, this Advent season, to spend more time on the things that matter so that when our Christmas celebrations, the ups and downs of life and even the final Day all come, you will have made room for Christ in your life.
Salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Romans 13:11-12
With love from Sarah and myself,
Ian
Rev. Ian Aitken
52 Ashgrove Road West
ABERDEEN
AB16 5EE
Tel. 01224 686929
iaitken@churchofscotland.org.uk
www.stockethillchurch.org.uk
Aberdeen: Stockethill Church of Scotland
Scottish Charity Number - SC030587