November brought with it dark evenings and colder weather. The sort of evening when in their youth, people of my generation would settle down by a glowing coal fire, a good book and the radio tuned to the Light Programme (or perhaps Luxembourg) for some background music. Those who are younger will have very different memories of their younger years as coal fires were replaced by central heating; radio by television and time spent exploring the Internet.
Perhaps we also recall the friends we had then and the times we spent together: some of the places we visited: maybe even some of the scrapes we got into. Sometimes, in one of our more reflective phases, we may pause to wonder what has happened to those we used to know.
Human memory is a wonderful thing. It has the power to bring back past experiences, mainly the happier times in our lives and so we are able to share again those moments which brought great joy to us at the time and often recall times spent with loved ones who are no longer with us in this earthly life.
November is the month in which the nation joined in remembrance and thanksgiving for those who have given their lives in defending our freedom. We remembered those who suffer from injuries sustained in battle and those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. May they find solace in the happy memories they carry of their lives together and may they find comfort and strength through their faith.
November, of course, leads us on into Advent, that time of preparation, waiting and expectation of the coming of Christ. While for the majority, Christmas will be a time of happy family gatherings, for others there will be loneliness and sadness. For them there may be only memories of past Christmases shared with those they loved.
The coming of Christ is a time for joy and celebration; a message to be shared with all. Let's all try to do what we can to ensure that the Christmas message of love and togetherness in Him is brought to all whom we meet and may the peace of God be with all.
Steve Campbell
Interim Moderator
Tel: 01284 787664
December 2009