Christmas in Chandler's Ford

Written by Rev Deacon Paul Owen
St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church (part of the Catholic Parish of St Swithun Wells)
on behalf of Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford

We are well into December and our senses are full of the coming of Christmas. Whether it’s the Christmas lights springing up all over the area; the Christmas songs we hear all the time in shops or on the radio; the adverts on the TV encouraging us to buy more food and presents than we need. But this year, perhaps more so than in previous years, we prepare for Christmas in a world faced with difficult times. A world in which suffering, wars and political uncertainty are a greater threat than they have been for many years.

It got me thinking about what it is that is special for us as we approach another Christmas. What is it we look for at Christmas? For us Christians, this period of preparation for Christmas is called Advent. The central theme of Advent for all Christians is hope. But for each one of us, where do we find our hope this Christmas?
[Read more…] about Becoming a Pilgrim of Hope – Christmas Message from Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford – 2024

‘Opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts…’ (Matthew 2:11)

I wonder what sort of gift-giver you are? Do you have creative ideas, effortlessly putting together fun, interesting and unique Christmas presents for your loved ones? Maybe you reflect on each person on your list and come up with perfectly personalised gifts? Perhaps you’re on the other end of the spectrum and pick up random items, in blind panic, on Christmas Eve? Most people are probably somewhere in the middle, working their way through a list of names and doing their best to find a meaningful gift.

As I have been re-reading the Christmas story this year the above words from the bible have stuck in my mind. They come from the story of the wise men who found the baby Jesus at the end of their journey. Filled with joy they bowed down, paid homage and opened their treasure-chests, and offered him gifts… The wise men lived in turbulent times and were overwhelmed with joy in finding the new king who would rule with God’s justice and bring peace.

[Read more…] about Christmas Message by Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford – 2023

Belief in angels is common to many religions, and some recent research also shows some atheists admitting to believing in them. They are important in the Islamic tradition as well as Jewish and Christian faiths. Angels feature in popular culture, films, songs, and street art including works of Banksy. Some people believe in ‘guardian angels’ and others think of them more as messengers from God.

At this time of year Christians think of the angels who brought messages to Mary and to Joseph, and those witnessed by shepherds; first a single angel bringing the good news of the birth of Jesus and then many, singing of peace on earth.

In these unsettled times, news of joy and peace are much needed and so Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford have combined to bring a little joy into our community this Christmas through the knitted angels that you will find popping up around the streets and public places in mid-December. [Read more…] about Christmas Angels – Churches Together in Chandler‘s Ford

Usually at this time of year musicians and singers from the Churches of Chandler’s Ford join forces to serenade Christmas shoppers in our local ASDA with a selection of carols. This year COVID restrictions and regulations have meant it is not possible but instead we were invited to provide a carol for the store radio in December.

This very familiar carol , with a modern twist is an invitation to gather joyfully to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Gathering and Joy may feel in short supply this year but Christians everywhere believe that when God came in Jesus to share the sufferings of humanity he showed his love for us and that is a cause for celebration.

Whoever you are with this Christmas, God is with us. We invite you to share in the comfort of this. We wish you a joyful Christmas.

[Read more…] about ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ – Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford