On Sunday we enter the third week of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, a time for us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

At this time of year, it is easy to be caught up in the commercial pressures of buying the right present, ensuring “Christmas Dinner” is a perfect occasion and getting ready for our summer holidays. It is easy for us to feel frustrated when the checkout lines are long, or your relatives stay too long at your house, or when someone else buys the last toy your child really wanted. The challenge is for us to take this time to stop and remember why we are celebrating this season, to reflect and give thanks that we do have food for our Christmas dinner, we do have loved ones to buy presents for, that we live in a safe country and that we can enjoy the summer holidays. Let us show in all we do Peace, Hope, Joy and Love.

Shayne Kidd