A Christmas thought ...

On Christmas Day 1914 a spontaneous truce occurred along parts of the Western Front.  Allied and German troops met together in ‘no-man’s land’.  Enemies came together, exchanged small impromptu gifts, sang carols, and reportedly, played football.  Whilst this ceasefire was short lived it provides us a glimmer of hope for peace and reconciliation.

It's no news to anyone that we currently live in a confused and somewhat HOPE-less, war-torn world.  We continue to pray for meaningful and lasting PEACE between Russia & Ukraine, Israel & Palestine, and so many other areas of our world where there is war and injustice.

Yet, Christmas is all about HOPE and PEACE.  Jesus Christ came so that each one of us would be reconciled to Him and to each other.

Whatever your plans this Christmas, wherever in the world you and your families may be, I pray that the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child will be yours this Christmas season.

Lynne Martin, Medway Campus Chaplain