Page 6 - CAMPAIGN Winter 2021

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CAMPAIGN Winter 2021
A Christmas Message
from our Chaplain, the Very Revd. Nicholas Frayling
One of the consequences of a long ordained ministry is that I receive a great many Christmas cards – and try to send a lot as well! These days, cards with a religious theme are becoming much less common. As often as not, the message is ‘Season’s Greetings’ or the like.
Those of other faiths are much less coy about sending faith-based words to celebrate their festivals. Does this matter? Well, as a person of faith, I think it does.
As a Christian, I believe that the message of Christmas is about God engaging with humanity: Immanuel – God with us reminds us that Jesus was really here – bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh – stepping into this messy world, with its sorrows as well as its joys, and making the ultimate sacrifice to restore our relationship with God.
At the heart of the Christmas festival is the promise of peace and goodwill to all people.
For many years, I have kept my Christmas cards. I take a few each day to think about the senders and to pray for them. I commend this practice to you.
Meanwhile, at a time when there is much anxiety at home and around the world, and when our Association is working harder than ever to obtain due recognition for our Veterans, and practical support for them and their families, let me wish you all
A joyful Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.
Very Rev. Nicholas Frayling KStJ BNTVA Chaplain