Nigel Legrand considers the effects of coronavirus and encourages hope!
Due to the impact of coronavirus, the majority of us have found ourselves ‘locked’ into our own homes, whilst learning a new lifestyle for shopping, paying bills, keeping in touch with each other, and mastering how to wear a mask or visor. There are new words in our language: ‘click and collect’, Covid 19, social distancing, unprecedented times, pandemic, and shielding, to name but a few.
During this time we have seen so many changes. Being British and male I am amongst those geared not to ask for help! My wife Jennie had to virtually twist my arm to ask for help when our food supplies were running out and we were overwhelmed by the kindness shown by Fiona and David Thompson. Thank you David and Fiona.
During the early months of the lockdown, the community in Meon Road developed into a helping, caring, sharing neighbourhood, and many took part in the Thursday evening NHS appreciation sessions. Those evenings were an important part of thanking staff in the NHS for their phenomenal sacrifice to the UK. A very high price has been paid by many.
Earlier this year church members decorated homes at Pentecost with posters and banners to remind us that God’s Spirit is a mighty power.
Looking forward – so what’s the future?
We’ve all probably heard this answer: ‘I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.’ Christmas looms and it’s Jesus’ birthday! Whilst writing this we are back in another crisis period and we all need to take extra care, but also can I urge you to seek out ways of making the light of Jesus Christ to shine where you live. Why not this Christmas pray about new ideas to decorate your home, porches, windows, and front gardens, thanking the Father Almighty who sent His Son to this troubled world.
Ideas for Christmas
- What about playing more Christmas carols on your CDs and mobile phones?
- Let’s bring the ‘Jesus’ Birthday’ theme onto our windows at home.
- Why not give away small Christmas leaflets or books to friends?
- Make your own Christmas cards.
- Draw a big Christmas card to all your neighbours and put it in a window?
Our certainty is that the baby Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to seek and save the lost.
‘Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might …’ Ecclesiastes:9:10
Nigel Legrand, assistant minister
