Here is a copy of todays brief reflection for Benefield...it differs slightly from the longer version.
"...Wonder. Amazed. Puzzled, Discerned. Pondered. Words that are embedded in the whole of the Nativity story, from the annunciation through to the visitation of the Magi. We are lucky enough today to be able to sing. Somehow being outside evokes some of the wonder that Mary felt when Gabriel brought the message that she, would give birth to a son who would save us all. We can even be amazed that we can join together and sing in spite of our current predicament. Outside and away from society like the shepherds we in anticipation can’t wait to visit the one who loves us without question. Throughout the whole narrative Mary thinks deeply, she questions, but she does not do this all alone. From the very beginning when she converses with Gabriel and acknowledges that she is a ‘handmaiden of the Lord’ and when she hears that Elizabeth her cousin is to also bear a child, Mary opens up her heart to God and her relatives and we are introduced to the family unit.
Christmas this year is going to be heartbreakingly difficult, we can’t do what we have always done and many friends and family members are going to be missing from our celebratory tables. Sadness will be mingled with joy at the loss we have witnessed this year. Consider too, that many more are sacrificing their family festivities to keep us safe and serve in the NHS, the emergency and vital services and shops as we continue to strive against this pandemic. Amid all this we as church are in another family unit, we are not alone. Like Mary and Elizabeth, Joseph, Zacharia, Simeon and Anna, the extended family engages in conversation and nurture. We as church are invited also to consider how our faith needs to be nurtured by conversation, prayer and discernment in safe spaces with each other outwardly as well as inwardly, all be it, it in a Covid safe manner! Zoom, live streamed services and video calls and email all play their part in keeping the communications open, human contact is vital and a conversation could be a life saver.
As we come into the presence of God we find that Jesus is going to be waiting for us. Mary through pondering has shown us the inward discernment side of reflecting on Scripture and relationship with God; we need that and we need our families however we determine family; to grow and be nurtured in our faith. The year draws to a close and we reach its darkest point, light seems so far away. But Jesus like the winter sun breaks through the clouds and we are bathed in his Light; His impending birth brings a warmth and brightness into our gloom and in that glorious moment we are warmed and drawn towards the stable as we share love and as we ourselves are shown love..."
Take care my dear friends, over another blip, over another hurdle, we can do this! Keep strong xxx
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