I imagine that we might all agree to a feeling of utter astonishment that 2024 has passed so rapidly and that we are once again approaching the season of Advent and the preparation for our Christmas events and services. 

The message being sent out from our Ministry Area is ‘Joy to Bridgend’ and to each of our eight church communities. Joy often refers to a broad sense of being satisfied with life. Many of us, including me, might better associate it with feeling blessed. 

At this time of the year, I am acutely aware of those, particularly parents, who will be subjected to huge pressures as they feel obliged to provide that which they genuinely cannot afford to buy. I’m reminded also of those who are living on the streets, in emergency accommodation and/or really struggling to survive financially. Our television screens bombard us with ideas for expensive gift possibilities, scenes of tables groaning with all manner of delicious delicacies and, most of all, images of perfect family Christmas gatherings. As we well know, this is not a depiction of the true meaning of the season. At birth, Jesus too was homeless and destined to face so many struggles in his life. Struggles that so many today might relate to. 

So, as a Ministry Area, covering diverse areas of Bridgend, let us truly aim to spread joy in every sense of the word. If, perhaps, in addition to welcoming all to our joyful celebrations, we could, in some tiny way, support those in need, whatever form this might take. We, of course, are not without our own problems and concerns but, without doubt are more fortunate than many.

Many years ago, Jake was living in a children’s home with nine other children. There was very little to eat, but at Christmas there always seemed to be a little more than usual, and the home seemed a little warmer. It was a time for simple joy, but more than this, there was the orange. At Christmas time, each child received an orange; the only time of year that such a delicious item was provided, and it was coveted by each child like no other thing they ever possessed. They would save it for several days, admiring it, feeling it, loving it, and contemplating the moment when they would eat it. Truly, it was the highlight of Christmas, and the year, for many would wait until New Year’s Day or later to eat it.

One Christmas day, Jake had inadvertently broken the orphanage rules by bringing mud in on his shoes. After one whole year of anticipating his special treat, it was to be denied. The other children pleaded for him, to no avail. He was sent to his room where he hid under his bed clothes imagining that the other children had abandoned him. Darkness fell and he felt even more sorry for himself sobbing quietly when suddenly a small, soft hand placed on his shoulder startled him. An object was quickly pushed into his hands. The donor disappeared into the darkness of the room, leaving Jake with what he did not immediately identify as an orange. Not a regular run-of-the-mill orange, but one fabricated from segments of nine other oranges. Nine other highly prized oranges that would, of necessity, be eaten this day instead of at a future date in order to bring joy to a sad little boy.

May we all share a part of ourselves this Christmas season in an effort to spread joy.