2024 Advent Message

During our Advent celebrations we are reminded of the significance of hope. Bishop Desmond Tutu once wrote, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” It’s during the Christmas season that you and I can be the source of hope for those who are going through times of darkness. When others have lost sight of the light, we can be a source of hope to remind them that there is light. Being a good listener for someone who is hurting this Christmas can remind them that they are not alone and that they are loved. Dr Billy Graham reminds us that, “God’s mercy and grace give me hope – for myself, and for our world.” Advent can remind us, both
who we are and whose we are in Christ.  One of my favourite writers once penned these words. “I think everybody needs four things in life.  Everybody needs something to do regardless of age. Everybody needs someone to love.  Everybody needs something to hope for, and of course everybody needs someone to believe in. I believe that someone is Jesus Christ.” Christmas is the reminder that God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus.  Historically, shepherds represented people just like you and I. They were the ones living and working in the fields, doing long shiftwork with considerable risk. It was a tough life, but they were also tough people. God sent angels to announce to them the Good News of the gift of the Saviour.  They were hard to impress but, a sky filled with angels, caught their attention.  May you and I take this moment to ask rather serious questions? Is it possible that you have been visited by an angel? Did that encounter change your life in the same way that it changed the lives of the shepherds that night long ago? Is there a chance that the encounter came in a dream or was it some form of holy visit? Did your unimaginable experience send you on a journey to meet Jesus? You see, I think angels show up often, we just don’t always recognize them. These encounters can result in a new beginning or new understanding.
As we reflect on the holy story, there is overwhelming evidence that far, far away in a place and time that we don’t fully comprehend, Mary was encountered by an angel who provided her with a message that would change her life forever. Mary gave birth to our Christ, and to the best of our understanding, Joseph too received a message from an angel and knew how important it was. If you and I had been there that night so very long ago we may have seen a tiny baby wrapped in cloth… nothing extraordinary to the human eye but would we also have wondered, ‘is there more to this experience’?
Advent and Christmas can be a lonely time for people. We all need to be deeply sensitive to the fact that there are lots of people who have lost a loved-one in recent times. This may be you or someone you know well that is in the midst of grieving. If it is you, it is very important to be gentle with yourselves as we make our way through the season. Grief has a way of sneaking up on us and one may feel profound sadness, even during celebrations. If it is someone else, I encourage you to be truly present in this Advent and Christmas season. Reaching out to others can bring a special kind of joy and hope during Advent for both the sender and the receiver. Perhaps you are already in the middle of your final plans for the Christmas season. You may have already sent your cards. It’s an intentional time to connect in person or by phone to share Christmas greetings. You will be surprised by how many people will be grateful to hear even a simple greeting of “Merry Christmas, I’ve been praying for you”.
On the first Christmas Eve we are told that shepherds were in the field tending their flocks when an angel of the Lord appeared to them in the middle of their night shift. They were hard at work protecting the sheep from danger, in the midst of darkness. Indeed, God can show up in the busyness of our lives. During the Advent and Christmas season, some might say, “I’m a little too busy right now to recognize God showing up”. I understand if you think that yet another distraction during this busy season is more than you want to think about, but consider that in the Christmas
story, the angel’s announcement was lifechanging.  I find it reassuring that God shows up even in the midst of our darkest moments and shares a message of new hope. I understand if someone is wary of an encounter with God but consider that the encounter may be a blessing… indeed, a lifechanging moment. The story of the
shepherds reminds us that God can use anyone or any situation to engage us. You and I don’t have to be afraid of God or the messenger. In a broader context, it’s helpful to remember that some encounters with the Holy are bold and immediate; but sometimes there is a gradual and quiet awareness that we have been blessed and has left us with a new attitude or perspective. Christmas is an amazing time for a Holy encounter perhaps while receiving communion, singing carols, or enjoying quiet moments of reflection. It is possible that in these moments we may have an encounter with the Holy. Perhaps the most significant thought when reflecting on the story of
the shepherds and the visit of the angels, is the shepherds’ reaction to the Good News. The shepherds got up and took a journey. They went to Bethlehem. Quite simply, they heard the Good News and did something about it. The invitation to each of us is to respond and take action.  Perhaps it can be described by a movement from where we are, to where Christ may be calling us.  My prayer for you this Christmas is that you may have an encounter with the Holy that brings  peace, hope, joy and love.
Yours in Christ
The Rev Canon Dr Stephen Hendry