Dear Friends
Long before Christmas people begin to make their preparations. Shop windows are attractively set with gifts and decorations; coloured lights and Christmas trees brighten up the streets of villages, towns and cities. In Oakshaw Trinity we shall prepare ourselves observing our own traditions during the season of Advent. By preparing ourselves in the right way we shall be able to celebrate all the joys of the Christmas season as we once again greet the coming of the Christ-child into our midst.
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways all over the world and each country has its own special customs and festivities. In Sweden, for example, the people begin their Christmas season as they celebrate St. Lucy's Day on 13th December. In Sweden she is called St. Lucia.
We know very little about St. Lucy, except that she was put to death as a Christian at Syracuse in Italy in the 4th Century A.D. As is the case with many of the saints, there are several legends told about her, which may or may not be true, suggesting that somehow she lost the sight of her eyes and that God gave her sight again. For that reason, her help was often sought for people who have diseases of the eyes. On the other hand, it may just be that her name means "light" and the eyes are a way of letting light into the body.
St. Lucia's Day in Sweden is a festival of light. Girls dress themselves as St. Lucia and wear crowns of lighted candles. They then go from house to house with trays of coffee and sweet cakes. In the dark winter nights, the lights of St. Lucia's Day make a pleasant beginning to the Christmas celebrations.
As Christmas approaches once again we shall be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. The light of Christ is one which has never been extinguished. It is the light which guides us on our journey of faith and which will ultimately lead us to all the glories of God's heavenly kingdom.
May God richly bless you and yours during this season of goodwill.
Your minister and friend.
Hutton Steel.