Rev Chris’ Blog

Thought for the Month

Join me each month as I ponder life with all the highs and lows we encounter along the way.
I hope you enjoy my blog whose aim is to raise a smile as well as give food for thought.
As always, I would love to hear from you, so please contact me 01278 781147   c.judson@btinternet.com

God bless you.
Rev Chris

December 2025 ‘The Joy of Christmas’ 

I wonder what brings you joy at Christmas?
There are so many delightful things that Christmas brings: Christmas presents and cards, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, Christmas dinner – turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas trees, Christmas jumpers, Christmas parties and pantomimes, Christmas carols, nativities and Christingles, and a myriad of other things besides.
We all have our favourites, things that mean a lot to us. At times we may feel a little overwhelmed at the busy-ness of the season, but it seems to me that if we can focus on the true joy of Christmas then all of our festivities will sparkle afresh!

Surely, the greatest joy of Christmas is the good news the angel declared to the shepherds – the news of Jesus’ birth as Emmanuel (God With Us). The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people …’  Luke 2.10-11

The incredible happening – that God should come and live among us as a tiny, vulnerable baby – is at once the most ridiculously risky plan, and yet also the most inspirational of acts. What we celebrate and explore in our carols and nativities is this mind-blowing act of love – little wonder that over 2000 years later we are still struggling to figure out what it means and how we should respond.

As we look back at the story of the first Christmas, we know the characters well. In our re-telling we often add new characters to help our understanding – such as the drummer boy or the grumpy owl. The one thing that all of the characters, new and old, have in common is that the joy of this amazing event changed them for ever.

The New Year will also bring changes for many of us – including the changes in our Benefice and our Church Leadership. Through it all, may we focus the ‘eyes of our hearts’ on the true joy of Christmas – the joy that calls us to fullness of life and the wonder of God’s self-giving love, and may we know the peace of the Christ child in all that we do and are. 

God bless you with love, peace and joy, this Christmas-time and always,

Rev Chris

Rev Margaret’s Blog,

November 2025 ‘Remembering’ 

November is the month of remembering. We remember those who have died and those who have become known as Saints. There are many stories which surround those who have died and the Saints and those stories are often encouraging and inspiring.

Nature also reminds us that it is a time of remembering. The leaves on the trees fall and the light of the day becomes shorter. We remember the lovely green leaves of summer and warm days filled with sunlight. Whilst I was out walking recently in aid of Dementia UK (Thank You to all who sponsored me and prayed) I walked along “Colonel Stephens Way” a footpath on a disused railway line. In the space of 3/4mile I saw the loveliest plants which caused me to remember some folk law about those plants.
 
I was amazed to see some blackberries! There is a wonderful tale that they should not be picked after Michaelmas, 29th September. As when St Michael threw the devil out of Heaven the devil was filled with anger and spat on a blackberry bush, hence they are not good to eat. Interestingly by October/November any blackberries that you find are usually mouldy and very bitter.
 
Next, I passed a pyracantha looking resplendent, it is thought to be linked to fire and in days gone by churches refused to have that plant in their floral displays. I walked by much bindweed which gardeners hate, apparently it foretells thunder. I was rather regretting I had not brought my umbrella! I was delighted to see nestled among the brambles a passion flower. The folklore around it is of Christian meaning. Spanish missionaries named all the parts of the passion flower after the life of Christ. The Ten sepals and petals are the ten faithful apostles. The Corona is Christ’s crown of thorns, the 3 stigmas are the 3 nails, the five anthers are the wounds of Christ, the tendrils are the whips used on Christ, the leaves are the lance and the goblet part at the base of the plant is the goblet at the Last Supper.
Towards the end of my walk, I noticed a Holly bush which reminded me that it is not long to Christmas, the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The druids believed holly could bring sun into their homes. And North American native Indians used the berries as a ceremonial drink to revive their spirits.
 
The walk certainly revived my spirits as I remembered the folklore surrounding the plants.
I pray that as you remember loved ones this November your hearts will be warmed and comforted.
Reverend Margaret.


Key:
EH – East Huntspill     WH – West Huntspill      M – Mark

Look forward to seeing you.