Pause For Thought

From Rev'd Ruth Scott, an Anglican Vicar in Richmond

Two things have dominated my thoughts over the weekend - the floods and Children in Need. In both cases I was moved by how people have responded to the struggles of others.

In Cumbria there are stories of rescue, neighbours helping each other, and food and clothing arriving unprompted at the centres where those who’ve been flooded out have had to take temporary shelter. Watching Children in Need I was struck by the delight and fun folk from all over the country have had raising money for vulnerable kids. When the Dragon’s Den panel and their team of volunteers renovated a children’s community centre, they were as touched and transformed by the result as the people for whom they’d done it. They discovered the unutterable pleasure of giving others help and hope. It was lovely to watch.

Such stories of delighted, joyous generosity were repeated over and again all evening. One of the things that struck me about all this is how it stands in sharp contrast to the burden of the Christmas bandwagon. From as early as September retailers start selling a phoney Christmas which leaves many people feeling pressure to buy gifts that most of us don’t need, and may not want. Finances are stretched thin, and for what? There’s a forced air of jollity that drags on. We’ve had tinned Christmas carols playing in shopping centres for so many weeks that by the time Christmas actually comes, we’re all heartily sick of them.

None of this reflects the spontaneous joy and true meaning of Christmas. That’s much more apparent in the actions of people supporting each other during the present floods, or coming together with friends and colleagues to help change for the better the lives of those in need, whether they’re adults or children. To have a good Christmas we need nothing more than a loving heart capable of responding generously to those who have little to celebrate.

As last Friday shows, you can live out that Spirit at any time of the year, and it’s a wonderful gift.