Greetings in Jesus’ name! I have indeed great pleasure in writing this letter as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and gratefully come to God as the year ends.

An Alternative Christmas
Many Christian leaders today encourage a less consumerist attitude to Christmas and a focus on its spiritual values. And although the idea of cutting Christmas consumption is not entirely new, it has more of an edge now when the impact of the global economic slow-down is appreciated. For some a simpler approach to Christmas in 2011 may not be a question of choice at all, given fuel and food poverty and even house repossessions.

Our society has become extremely reliant on debt, and perhaps even on an assumption that we should continue to see ‘living standards’ rise. But now a whole wedge of commonly held assumptions about money and personal security have come under question. Everyone needs money: it’s awful not to have enough, it’s great to be able to give it away. Most of us think we need more of it. It is also a source of worry, at the root of many divisions, some domestic violence, family jealousy and disputed legacies. All of this is made worse by
a culture that has lost the language of modesty and moderation. We find it difficult to reflect on the values and ethics of money and so to pass them on to the next generation. You often hear parents say that their children have no real notion of what things cost.

I hope all of you realise the relationship between money and Christian
spirituality. ‘Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ Our attitude to money does reveal a great deal about ourselves and our values: is your use of it subject to a spiritual adult? The fact is that whether we earn or spend it is ultimately God’s economy. And God longs to see everyone have their needs met - it doesn’t matter whether one lives in USA or UK or Zimbabwe or Malawi.

We need to play our part in this. Now some widely held assumptions about money are seen not to be as reliable as was hoped. This Christmas some will not be able to consume as much as they have become used to. This may not be all bad. Indeed it can help us look again to the simple integrity of Christ’s birth as a priceless gift. In our own household this year we are having a £5 Christmas, that is no presents to each other are to cost more than that. This is already helping me to think again about the nature of the gift itself. Any such shock as this may bring to the fore the enduring values embodied in our understanding of the Christ-child: Giving of ourselves to each other, a little extra care for our neighbours, trying to heal rather than
disrupt, more thoughtfulness in giving. Ironically, maybe those at fault for the economic distress are also providing an opportunity to focus on values that are unshakeable. Perhaps an alternative Christmas is in reach of all.

Thanks at Year End!
We give thanks for all good things and blessings in small and big ways God has showered on us this year. I am aware that some of you have gone through very difficult times for different reasons this year. Still, we thank God for the promise of his presence with us even in the darkest times of our life. The one who has led us so far will be with us till the end. He is Immanuel – God with us. A special word of thanks to all who have contributed to the life of the Holy Innocents church in different ways. Thank you also to all who donated towards the ‘turn up the heat’ appeal. And indeed, we should not forget the contributors and advertisers who made this magazine interesting and fruitful every month.  Further, our thanks go to the distributors who work hard to bring this magazine to you. On behalf of us all, particular thanks to the editor, Mrs Sue Howell. I am sure you will enjoy reading this issue as well.