Christmas Message from our Club Chaplain

25/12/2024

BY BAZ GASCOYNE

The word Advent means expectation, and as Louis Gislio says, “What advent can do for us is create a sense of hope.”

Many people during the build up to Christmas have so many hopes and expectations. It could be the hope of a family reunion, a time of celebration amongst family & friends. Past hurts forgiven and moving on. Even hopes that this year will be a good Christmas, rather than a painful or disappointing one.

In the church calendar, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is known as Advent Sunday. Advent is celebrated across the world by various Christian traditions and denominations.

This 4-week season is dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. This is done by reflecting on hope, peace, love and joy. We could do with seeing more of those 4 words in the world; and probably in our own lives and local community too. These 4 words are represented by 4 candles of Advent at the front of most churches in this season, representing hope, love, joy and peace. A different one is lit each week to symbolise a week of celebrating that characteristic, with all 4 candles shining brightly by Christmas Day. Whether you are a person of faith or not I am sure you will agree we all need the above.

But sometimes our expectations of Christmas day can be too high. A friend of mine recently told me that his Mam’s expectations of a harmonious Christmas day with all her children, their partners and grandchildren (16 folks in her home) was shot to pieces with Mam feeling stressed with all the responsibilities and disappointment that everyone didn’t get on all the time. The realities of everyone being in one space for a long period of time. Sometimes we need to adjust our expectations.

Preparing for one day can be stressful for many, and also an emotional and sad time for others.

 I love what Mother Teresa said about Advent:

“Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.”

I hope this Christmas is a time where you experience much love, joy peace and much hope; and grace for any tricky family moments.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.