Hello,

I admit that this might be a shorter blog than usual as I am up earlier (it's currently 6.50) than the rest of the house after attending Midnight Mass at the Parish church last night and getting to bed at about 1.15!

I therefore have until they all get up to write the blog and then there is bound to be pandemonium as we try and squeeze breakfast and presents and everything else that goes into getting ready for church before the service at 10 a.m.

Just over 3 hours for everything - and I haven’t even counted getting washed and shaved and dressed in my calculation about how much time I need.

Another couple of minutes gone by - I wish I had learnt to type properly - then writing this would be so much quicker. It's 6.54 and another 4 minutes have gone by - just look at how quickly time if flying by.

I wonder if I can make up some time. Maybe I could do a shorter bible reading than usual or spend less time in prayer or maybe I could cut a corner here or there.

Wait a minute - I literally just have - it's now just before 7a.m. – I have taken a moment simply to think, reflect on the act of love signified by a baby in a manger, by the love that flowed through that act from God to me and how incredible that love is.

Sometimes it seems to me that the time I spend in prayer and reading God’s word and simply thinking and spending time with Jesus can be the very first thing I think of giving up when the reality is that it should be the very last.

Not quite sure what the time is now – but who cares.

This Christmas for me and indeed for you my prayer would be that we would take time to enjoy all the celebrations and that in the midst of all that is going on we would take time for Him.

There is a famous phrase that Jesus is the reason for the season. So often we make the season the reason for celebrating (if you see what I mean) but this year let’s put Him at the heart of everything

So a really Happy Christmas to you all and, May the peace and love of the Lord be with you and with all those you love this Christmas and always

Must dash – I can hear someone getting up. I think I will go and give them a hug. It will take as long as it does simply to let them know that they are loved.

God Bless

Paul.