Bishop's letter: Joy and Peace

Last Updated on Saturday, 11 February 2012 20:08 Thursday, 22 December 2011 20:32

We have seen the highs and lows of life in the last few days and both relate to what Christmas is about. One is a story of generosity and joy, the other sadness.

Campbell Live brought us a heartwarming story of Evan who has badly misshapen teeth and requires lengthy and expensive surgery to correct that. He lives with his dad and his sister Katie (also in need of dental surgery); in quite humble circumstances in Christchurch. Thanks to an appeal by John Campbell nearly $100,000 was donated by viewers so Evan and his sister will be able to get the necessary treatment. The story spoke of courage and suffering but also such wonderful generosity from so many viewers. It is a story that reflects the joy and generosity of Christmas.

The second is about the sad and senseless death of Phillip Cottrell killed in Boulcott Street. In a season of peace and goodwill we are confronted by the reality that here as well as elsewhere, peace is a precious and sadly, rare, commodity. Violence isn’t a new thing and that it happens at Christmas time isn’t new either, but regardless, it is always an unacceptable way of treating people. The story of Phillip’s death reminds me of the preciousness of peace that is a theme of Christmas.

In order that we can hold up both the joy and the peace of Christmas here is a prayer written by Robert Louis Stevenson:

Loving God,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.
Amen.

Peace and Joy this Christmas

Dwyllis and +Tom
Bishop of Wellington