Advent Thought 4

A short break from gripping glimpses of our beautiful home. There are many benefits to being the vicar of a church without a building. But every now and again our home is the only place where something that needs doing co-operatively can be done.

We have been collecting food and small items in order to make a gift of a hamper to all our local CAP (Christians Against Poverty) clients who have been accepting help with debt management. Those who have committed to an austere Christmas as part of becoming debt-free get a little light in their lives. It's a great thing to do.

Tonight our conservatory becomes the hamper-packing zone (I'm out for the night; TCMT is in charge).

Even in one of the wealthiest parishes in the south-west there are folk who need rescue. And they have done the hard thing. They have picked up a phone and said, 'Can you help me; I'm in a mess'. I had to do that once and was treated well. I've never forgotten.

If you're in a mess ask for help. If you can help, help. Harder than it sounds.

(The basket full of corks is nothing to do with this.)