Vicar's Message for December

                                                                                                BE KIND

Dear Friends

In a world where

You can be

anything, be

kind

These are some of the last words tweeted by Caroline Flack who was mercilessly bullied online by internet trolls and committed suicide in 2020.

We come across many situations in life where we might disagree with others or we might simply find that we don’t like them or that they annoy us in some way or another. It is easy for us to find something to criticise in them and we might not always find the best way of resolving differences kindly. I am reminded of some words of Jesus that I find particularly helpful. He said, “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-3) Whether or not we call ourselves Christians I believe that these are wise words that would make our world a much happier place if we were to take them to our hearts. They are words that implore kindness and understanding in our interactions with others.

Christmas tends to bring out the best in us. We are often more inclined to think about those in need and we, perhaps, have a generally heightened sense of kindness towards others. Wouldn’t it we wonderful if, when Christmas and New Year celebrations have passed, we could keep it in our minds and hearts to carry the message of kindness throughout the year? Hopefully, we can always then treat others how we would wish to be treated and thereby bring out the best in all of us.

I end with the words of a blessing that we use in our Parish Churches during the Christmas period and I pray that it will be real in your hearts for you at this time:

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds,

the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary,

and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

With grace, peace and every blessing

Paul

Revd Canon K Paul Arthur

Priest in Charge of Par, Charlestown, Treverbyn and St Blaise