We are now entering the season of preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ – otherwise known as Advent. When everything seems to be chaotic around in international relationships, wars and rumours of wars; and in the UK, with so many factions fighting for their own way, and with the ever-increasing difficulties in retaining our British culture and way of life – Westbury, by contrast, appears quite a haven of peace.
As new housing estates are being built and occupied, the intentional sense of community is also growing with groups developing to look out for those in need of companionship, support and specific help.
Whether one believes it or not these are the very aspects of life that Jesus came for – He said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, and it is in the preparation of the heart to be kind to one another that Advent ought to bring.
Even though the season is increasingly commercialised, and in places the word ‘Christmas’ airbrushed out of festivities and lights – the Spirit and the Word of God cannot be removed if we hold in our hearts the truth that celebrating Christmas brings – that the birth of Christ brought and brings joy to the world.
In recent months, we have connected with international Christian groups through WhatsApp and social media, and the sense of cultural identity across all boundaries and nationalities is practical evidence that the Kingdom of God is all around.
May all of us who live and come to live in Westbury and this wonderful part of Wiltshire continue to prepare, to grow in community and to be truly at peace with one another, and be an encouragement to all.
We wish everyone a happy and fulfilled Christmas.
Revd Iain Murray
– Church of the Living God, Westbury
