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Viewpoint from Rev Martin Upton 27/12/2019

MARTIN UPTONRev Martin Upton
Assistant Minister, Bradwell Parish Church

 

as published in the Great Yarmouth Mercury

 

As I sit here in early December writing, it is all still in the planning and preparation stages.  Adverts, billboards, radio, television, Google (other search engines are available) are working flat out to inform and to persuade a reluctant public to make a commitment and go with their unique and special offers

When the article is published on 27th December, it will all be over.  The hopes and fears will be put into a different context, as reality begins to strike home and normal life (whatever that is) settles back in to its routine
 
dove leftThe next few months will be about working out how we deal with the consequences and adjust our expectations (and our expenditure) in the light of what we have done
 
So what did you make of it?  Did you get what you wanted or will that have to wait for another occasion at some time in the future?  Did the General Election produce the outcome you had hoped for?  Did Christmas fulfil your dreams - and those of the people you love? 
 
In both cases, the hype surrounding the event often masks the reality.  Politicians make promises in their manifestos, aiming to convince us that they can improve our life and the whole life of our nation.  We try to find presents which suit the individuals they are for, and in a small way enhance their lives.  And now we look to our New Year Resolutions…….
 
 
Dove rightThe adverts said ‘A Dog is for life, not just for Christmas’.  So is God!  He wants to be a part of the whole of our lives, not just at the high points and the low points.  He made promises and commitments.  From Creation’s Big Bang he has shown his love and care for all that he has made.  And even when things went wrong, he didn’t abandon it - or us
 
That’s what Christmas is all about.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life”.  Whatever your response to the peculiar present you received, or the slant of the new Government, we can all be sure that God wants the best for us, and has our best interests at heart.  If you need to, look up Minnie Haskins
 
Happy New Year 
 


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