By the grace of God the weather was perfect for the Centenary Remembrance Sunday service – and it was heartwarming to see such a large turnout to honour those who died to give us the freedoms we have today.
Insufficient appreciation is given to those retail outlets who put a special effort into honouring the occasion with Poppy displays – we thank you all.
The verses that represent the sacrifice also represent the greatest aspect of real relationship.
John 15:12-13 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
It is often said we choose our friends not our relatives. But we gather friends by offering friendship, and being a friend, not expecting others to serve us, but by serving others.
As we approach Christmas – the Season of good will towards all – it is a time when relationships matter, and families make every effort to get together, and perhaps bring in new friends. For some, it is a time of sadness and mourning for lost relationships. For others, in this day and age, it has become simply a self-indulgent holiday, which at the end leaves a sense of dissatisfaction.
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We honour the occasion through generosity and hospitality, and by particularly looking to comfort those who are lost and lonely, neglected or impoverished.
The film Evan Almighty depicted the ARK as Acts of Random Kindness. This season and this Christmas, may all in Westbury and the region be encouraged by giving and receiving acts of kindness, loving relationships, and being blessed in the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Rev Iain Murray, Church of the Living God Westburys
