Church of Scotland Guild Weekly E-News
What does Christmas mean to you?
So, here we are, heading into the Christmas season once again.
I wonder what response you would get if you asked a dozen people to say what the Christmas season means and to tell you the Christmas story?
I suspect you would get twelve different answers and that is really no surprise.
For many, this is a time of joy, of hope, of celebration, and of anticipation. For others, it is a time of regret, of loneliness, of nostalgia. Or endless combinations of these things.
People’s own perspectives will determine their view and age, place, family, community, friendships, wealth, health and so on all play their part.
So, maybe the best way to find out what Christmas means is to go to the historical source… the Bible.
By reading the story in the Gospels we are sure to find all we need to know?
Except….
* Matthew mentions the virgin birth and the wise men, but not the shepherds.
* Luke mentions the shepherds and angels, but not the wise men or the virgin birth.
* Matthew doesn’t say anything about a stable or an over-booked inn, but Luke does.
* Matthew talks about Herod’s slaying of the innocents and the escape to Egypt, Luke doesn’t.
* Mark and John don’t mention the birth of Jesus at all.
* There is no mention of there being three wise men and certainly not of them being kings.
* Nowhere can I find a little donkey.
In short, it seems that even the Bible has no clear narrative on the nativity.
Having not been there, each of the authors has recounted a story that is based on tales they have heard, perhaps on memories that have been shared. Certainly, they are written to show that prophecies were being fulfilled. They are part of a tradition of storytelling and legend that would have permeated the society of their day.
Essentially, the Bible story of Jesus’ birth serves a variety of purposes and the two versions we have should, I guess, be seen as stories rather than factual accounts. At the very least, they are selective in their content and very likely to include embellishments that add to the mystery and magic rather than detract from them. They will reflect the personalities and priorities of their writers, just as our own opinions are mirrors of us as people.
We all see the world in different ways, be that due to our own personalities and experiences or to our differing ways of understanding our world. Some like facts and logic. Some have more emotional and aesthetic responses. So, it’s inevitable that those twelve people will answer your question differently and that is no bad thing.
Such a response reflects the glorious variety of our world and the richness of human experience.
Whether, when asked about Christmas, our immediate thought is about gifts, or carols or food or parties, or even negative things around commercialisation or personal sadness, the one thing that remains true is that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah.
We can argue forever about the details, but one central thing remains... it’s about peace, hope and goodwill. It’s about God’s covenant with His people. It’s that simple… and that complicated!
Iain Whyte
General Secretary
<https://mcusercontent.com/29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137/images/3735e5a8-325b-6d83-1a9b-52677ef2fc04.jpg>
Leven in good heart
To celebrate Leven Parish Church Guild starting up again after 18 months without meetings they arranged an indoor picnic. It looks like everyone had a good time. They have also been blessed with an influx of seven new members.
<https://mcusercontent.com/29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137/images/f486b762-86e8-0f82-2abb-10a55170f2d2.png>
Seminar on supporting those with sight loss
Every six minutes someone in the UK starts to lose their sight. Sight Loss Friendly Church from the Torch Trust, the UK Christian sight loss charity, are pleased to announce further dates of their popular taster sessions. These 30-minute Zoom sessions offer the opportunity to hear all the benefits of being a Sight Loss Friendly Church, meet their team and ask any questions you may have.
Sessions available are:
Wednesday 12 January at 2pm
Monday 24 January at 2pm
For more information, please email SLFC@torchtrust.org.uk
Register here <https://churchofscotland.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137&id=cd0ad50b9f&e=43d4a1fa0e>
<https://mcusercontent.com/29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137/images/c6a13f81-2a98-0ea4-7cb9-a80c2fefab90.jpg>
Guild projects out and about
It has been great to hear of so many of our project partners being able to get out and about this session. The work that we do with our partners is remarkable and challenges us to think about ourselves and the world a little bit differently every time, then to take action to make change possible. If you haven't already, why not invite one of them along, just as Duntocher Trinity was able to do this month in hosting folks from Starchild.
<https://mcusercontent.com/29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137/images/846096f5-40b1-692a-5f23-833393040d26.jpg>
Monday memories
As our General Secretary, Iain Whyte, prepares to conclude his time with the Guild (in that capacity at least!) we thought this memory was appropriate. We hope it encapsulates what Iain has been encouraging us to do: use the experience, faith and commitment of those who have served the Guild over many years to help us leave a Guild for those who are coming in future generations. Thanks Iain!
<https://mcusercontent.com/29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137/images/10949d94-cc75-ac2d-7037-53b26025d2d2.jpg>
Come Thou long-expected Jesus
We continue our Advent hymns with this modern take on a very popular hymn. We hope that you will enjoy singing along as we prepare for the coming of the Lord this Christmas.
Listen now <https://churchofscotland.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137&id=2a839b4de3&e=43d4a1fa0e>
<https://mcusercontent.com/29d4cd56ce6871362e9339137/images/2f7938bb-e34b-4e9b-0e7a-07aa4beba11f.jpg>
Pray this week
Monday: thinking especially of National Convener, Margaret Muir, as she speaks at Faifley Guild.
Tuesday: for Chief Officer of the Church of Scotland, Dave Kendall, asking that he will be encouraged and energised in the weeks ahead.
Wednesday: for the Guild staff team as they prepare for the changes that lie ahead, asking that they will be guided by God in the months ahead.
Thursday: thinking especially of the Guild at Cadder Parish Church as they celebrate their 120th anniversary. Asking that God will continue to bless their work and witness.
Friday: on International Human Rights Day, for a world where all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Saturday: for those who sleep rough on our streets tonight, asking for protection, support and care in the days ahead.
Sunday: remembering those in other parts of the world who do not have access to vaccinations against Covid-19, and praying that those who have the most will be willing to share with those who have the least.
Contact us
Phone: 0131 225 5722 <tel:+013120225205722>
121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN