Christmas reflection from the Chaplain - to staff at school

Dear colleagues and friends,

A short reflection on Christmas is appropriate at the end of the term. While some may delete this email before reading it, the special character of our school - in terms of the founding fathers who were committed Christians and Presbyterians - requires that the story be told even if it falls on deaf ears. No self-respecting minister would fail to tell this story again.

Christmas is a family celebration about a birth. A new beginning in almost impossible situations. A family on a journey because of a political decree. A busy town with "no vacancy" at every gate. A dodgy and unsuitable place for a child to be born. Implications in the lives of the poor (shepherds) the educated (high priests and magi from a foreign land), and political instability (the murder of the infants). A little family takes on refugee status. And in the midst of the turmoil angelic hosts are heard singing.

The modern Christmas shopper probably thinks little of all of that. It is in the distant past, relegated to the place of myth and legend. Overwhelmed and indeed challenged by a hundred Christmas brochures and lovely leaflets, and armed with considerable wads of plastic, s/he hits the streets and malls, harassed by greedy-eyed offspring who have already heard at school what manner of gifts their peers will get, and how they long for better greater brighter loads - heaps of hi-tech and glitzy stuff.

For those of us who have a chapel spirituality and are somewhat relieved when exam desks end our weekly contemplations here at school, the idea of Christmas in church may well be quite foreign and removed from the family pressures of obligatory gatherings and generous doses of other breads and wines.

For some, a visit to St Christopher's or some other sanctuary presents the true bright light of the season. A midnight service - a quiet song or stillness - the taste of holy things at mass or Eucharist - the Lord's table - and Christmas shapes hearts of gratitude and praise.

May you have some stillness at Christmas. May you reflect on your life - your heritage and your future - with new sense of gratitude for all that is good and fine, worthy of the investment of time and energy. May you have hope - so central in this story - hope which is so needed in the lives of those who have found this year a painful and difficult journey. May you be refreshed and renewed, and know the fullness of love that underpins this long tradition of Christmas. It is the love of God for us that is at the heart of the matter.

A blessed Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Robin

Rev Robin Palmer
Chaplain