Whew! 2018 has past – and what a year in the Nation. Division, disunity, erosion of freedom of speech, injustice and increasing violence and crime. In all of that, Westbury and our area seems like an oasis of peace.
Yes, there are elements who would seek to disrupt peace, but Westbury has a community that does come together – from the Police, Town Council, Neighbourhood Watch and Nextdoor Friends, and the many support groups of all interests and age groups.
Westbury is a privileged place in which to be a resident.
But Westbury is growing so fast with all the new homes being built. With an increase in population, we all have to pull together to welcome newcomers, and help them understand how we treasure community in Westbury.
2018 ended in Westbury with a flourish, with the Festival and Christmas gatherings – may that be the springboard for the New Year of 2019. In the Bible, there are prophecies about the breakdown of community:
2 Timothy 3:2-4 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, And those who seek to live godly lives that run counter to the moral corruption in our nation are so often despised:
2 Timothy 3:12-13 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
BUT the Bible also shows how we should aspire to be: Galatians 5:22-23 but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
In 2019 may our New Year resolve be to love more, have peace in our relationships, patience with others (particularly on the roads) – and be kind and generous. May 2019 be a blessed and prosperous year to you all.
Rev Iain Murray, Church of the Living God Westbury
