Pause For Thought

From Rob Gillion, Area Dean of Chelsea and Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square

Johny, I'm sure many of us are racing around buying last minute presents and delivering late Christmas cards to those who we forgot and have just sent you one!

My thought is quite literally to Pause for a moment and focus on the precious gift of the Christ child and the anticipation on this day before Christmas Eve of sharing the good news - for waiting can be a wonderful gift if it is linked with anticipation - positive waiting.
Looking forward to seeing the faces as they open the gifts you've given.

I know that many have been waitng in euro tunnels, on station platforms, at airports trying to reach their destinations. But there is a positive side to waiting.

In the days when I was an actor I was forever waiting -waiting for my agent to phone waiting for my next audition, waiting on tables. Resting - waiting for the next job.

But there's the other kind of waiting. The exhilarating yet scary moment in the wings, about to step out on stage. This is a totally different feeling. Being aware of my breathing to control my nerves, focussing on listening for my cue and concentrating on becoming my character - getting ready for the moment to give of my best to the audience. Sometimes the waiting can be a struggle, but if I truly wait on the Lord he promises inspiration. Of course now its the same as I wait to climb into the pulpit.

There's a wonderful scripture that reads 'Wait on the Lord, listen to his voice, they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Wait on the Lord let his spirit move, where the spirit of the Lord is there is peace sweet peace.'

So may God bless and keep you may his face shine on you and give you love, joy, peace and inspiration, as you wait and prepare to share the gifts of love, especially with those who may not be expecting any sort of gift this Christmas.