Journey’s End

The wonderful Advent journey of our Posada figures around our community came to an end today as, at 4pm, children brought them into Church for the crib service. As we sang Little Donkey the figures moved up the south aisle of church led by a small, two legged star they entered into the Anson (Blessed Sacrament) Chapel where they will stay for Christmastide.

Shepherds and Wise men came too, and together we heard their story, prayed and sang Away in a manger. 

The little star moved on and looked over the choir stalls, watching the scene. We all looked at our little crib scene. Our Christmas celebrations had begun, and we all sang

Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory in the Highest!

Preparing

In the final few days of Advent our Posada figures have been visiting people in their homes, reflecting the changing nature of Advent.

In essence the preparations for Jesus birth were focussed on a small family, who look forward with hope and joy, and also with apprehension. The preparations for the birth were also hard work and anxious times too.

God comes among the everyday stresses and anxieties, the hopes and joys of our living and brings peace and hope.

We pray in these latter days for homes and families of our parish.

How silently, how silently

The Bible gives no record of words spoken on the journey to Bethlehem, and there is no record of words spoken to the baby Jesus. As we imagine the scenes of the journey and birth we reflect on the looks, the gesture and the touch.

On this Posada visit to Dick, Annie Rose visited Dick in his nursing home for the first time today. Neither spoke words, but Annie brought from Dick tenderness of look, a finger held for the baby to grasp, smiles by both.

Two young babies

Two lovely young babies and their mums gave Mary, Joseph and Bilhah, the donkey a warm welcome at Marillac Mother and Baby Unit this evening. This was despite the fact that they were relying on small heaters in their communal areas, due to a boiler failure. Thank goodness the heating system in the mums’ flats is independent!

Babies Hayden and Keegan were both peaceful, Keegan really getting into the Christmas spirit, dressed in his santa suit, and mums Stephanie and Gemma spoke of how much of a family feel there is, with all the mums and staff supporting one another. Gemma and Stephanie both talked of their forthcoming transfer to other homes when Marillac House closes in March, and how much they will miss the relationships they have built up among themselves.

We give thanks for the work of Jenny and all the other staff and pray that Keegan’s operation in March will be successful.

Mary and Joseph suffered much upheaval on their journey towards Jesus’ birth, and again in the time after his birth, and so our thoughts and prayers are with the mums and babies as they face the next stage of their journey.

Visiting the elderly

Our Posada figures have been visiting people in their homes, or care homes.

Fr John writes: Today Posada visited Jane and we talked about Christmas and what she is expecting. I sang some of her favourite carols.

The Posada figures also visited Milda and Carmen and at Mass at Church we prayed for all who used to come to Mass but are no longer able to do so.

Please pray for those in care homes, or those unable to leave their own homes this Christmastime.

Angelic care

The Catholic tradition of St Chrysostom’s attracts people of our area who have settled here from all over the world. As our congregation at Mass has built up over the last few years we have welcomed people of many different nationalities. Today Posada visited Shabana, Amar, Aman and Anish, who come originally from Pakistan.

Mary complained to Joseph about the noise which was stopping her sleeping and he told her it was noisey carol singers. She said they had better jolly well practice before next year and Shabana agrees. Mary was much happier once Anish had found the angel Gabriel to look after them.

Living with hope

In 1964 Winnie’s oldest child, Keith Bennett aged 12 walked from his home on a Summer’s day to his grandmother’s. He was never to reach there. He became the third of the victims of the moors murderers, Myra Hindley and Ian Brady.

For over 47 years Winnie has lived with the hope that one day Keith’s body will be found, and that as his mother she may lay him to rest. The hope which lives in Winnie is remarkable and has seen her through many difficult times. She still grieves for Keith, and hopes. Winnie is also a cheerful and practical woman who inspires those who meet her with her common sense approach to life.

Our posada figures visited Winnie today and she was delighted to see and hold them.

Christmas is a poignant time for many, and not least for those who mourn children.

Pray for them that they may have courage and hope.