Ascension : New's From St. Mary's
Submitted by The Islander (Nathan Prince) 21.12.2006 (Article Archived on 04.01.2007)

Every year around this time we see people passing through Ascension on their way to St. Helena Island to join their family and friends for the festive season.

CHRISTMAS 2006.

Every year around this time we see  people passing through Ascension on their way to St. Helena Island to join their family and friends for the festive season. Christmas is about family our own and God's in which we all have a place.   To all who are returning home at this time it will undoubtedly bring joy and peace to your family and friends.   

The good news is that although we are down in numbers we can still go ahead with our celebrations here on Ascension.  The Christmas street lights are on, our homes are beautifully decorated, all adding to the feeling of the festive season. 

Apart from our birthdays, or some other special occasion, Christmas is a time we associate with gifts and by now no doubt a number of us, old and young, will have already received some.  Although giving gifts is an important part of our celebration as it expresses our love for one another, so is receiving them. 

In addition to associating Christmas with gifts, we also  associate it with  peace.  When Jesus was born the Angels sang "Glory to God in the Highest and peace to his people on earth".  Peace is another gift from God to us, it is the gift of Christmas.  God reaches out to us in peace and wants us to reach out to others.  May God pour out his peace, love and joy on us at this time.  

From the both of us at St. Mary's Vicarage, have a happy, joyous and peaceful Christmas.

Canon Clive and Jenny.