Pause for Thought

Martin Lee, Rector of Sherborne

December brings such a glow of excitement to so many, especially to our young people, who are by now starting to write their letters to Father Christmas and planning the list of things they might like for Christmas.

The trees are about to go up, if they’re not already, the shops are looking at their best with that ideal gift, and yes, the sound of carols are ringing in our ears, no matter where we shop.

The Abbey is no exception. As you enter the door, the sound of carols fills the air and the Christmas tree twinkles brightly. Through December, shoppers have plenty of opportunities to join us in the Abbey for a few moments and to sing at our short Shoppers’ Carol Services on Sunday 5th and Saturday 18th.

For many of us, this will feel a bit like a first occasion; a first for a long time since we have been able to celebrate Christmas with our loved ones for what seems like years and years. However, it was just two years ago, but it feels longer. Personally, it is our first Christmas here in Sherborne, and as a family it is our first Christmas with our little grandson, who is just eight weeks old.

With so many firsts, it is poignant for us to reflect on that very first Christmas night. We often see the romantic beauty of the stable on our Christmas cards, but the reality was this was a cold, old stable at the back of the inn. However, this was the place where God’s love shone so brightly, as Mary gave birth to His child in a simple stable. In great humility, Jesus arrived surrounded by the extravagant love of God, extravagant love for every one of us, as he gave to us His only son.

That first Christmas night has caused us down through the ages to stop and ponder, yes to celebrate, but to stop and look at the Christmas scene and see how a loving God gave us His child. By his transforming beauty, a child causes so many to stop and adore the reality of love.

Wherever you may be this Christmas time, and whoever you share it with, may we be reminded that the first Christmas night reflected such wondrous love and beauty that we will once again stop and adore the scene, be that on a card or in a shop window or the beauty of the Abbey at our crib. In adoring the scene, may the message of the Christ child of love, joy and peace be in your hearts, and may it transform us as it did those shepherds and kings who knelt in adoration before him.

May I wish you all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas.