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ST. MARY'S
KINGSWINFORD

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Friends,

Where has the year gone? I write from the new eco-Rectory, which only started to be built in February. It has been quite a journey!

I think this is the 11th move since Kate and I were married. Whilst there is something unsettled about this, there is a positive aspect. We travel light and have a regular clear-out of lofts and cupboards; and that feels appropriate for Advent, which is a penitential season.

Advent is one of our reflective times of year, to think about our spiritual life: how we relate to God and how that is seen and experienced by others. It is something we can choose to do in Advent, so that we are ready for the celebration of the birth of Christ, our God, into human flesh; a kind of spiritual clear-out.

Mary and Joseph didn't get the choice. Mary's "yes" to Gabriel, agreeing to carry God's son in her womb, launched her and Joseph upon a life of journeys. First to Bethlehem, then to Egypt as refugees, then to Nazareth and afterwards, following Jesus.

For them and for us, our relationship with God can be refreshed and renewed by journeying. Perspectives change, and faces, which allows us to choose to make changes to whom and what we are. We can throw out old baggage and travel lighter.

Jesus doesn't save humanity by staying in one place and accumulating lots of things. Jesus' life is one of letting go of home, safety, old acquaintances and old opinions. Eventually, Jesus empties himself completely on the cross. He has no baggage left, only the cross he carries and that bears him.

Advent is about letting go of old baggage so that we have more room for the Christ-child in our hearts. As we make more room for Christ, those around us will see his light shining more brightly in our deeds and dealings with others. These are the kind of gifts Christ asks us for. They were what he asked of the shepherds and the wise men and of all the disciples and Christians right down the ages. May we bring the gift of a renewed life to Christ's crib this Christmas and New Year.

With love

Giles