Minister's Letter December 2025
Revd John Henry
Tickhill Methodist Church
Christmas Anticipation
As the Christmas season approaches, I appreciate the prevailing sense of anticipation that accompanies this time of year. This heightened expectation could be described as the gradual 'build up' leading to Christmas.
Of course, we have the festival of advent to help us in this regard.
This year, I am fortunate to have received a 'Westin' Advent calendar from my family. Allow me to elaborate further.
Westin is a Scandinavian fishing lure manufacturer, and so through the season of Advent I shall open a lure a day. I am in anticipation, as I write, for the first day of December, I cannot wait!
During this period, people often prepare for Christmas by purchasing food for seasonal meals, buying gifts in advance of Christmas Day, and organising parties or other festivities. … anticipation.
As we think about all that, let's spare a thought for the people who will anticipate bad things, more gunfire, the sound of bombing, or perhaps a nagging hunger, homelessness or poverty.
Or perhaps someone who will anticipate their first Christmas without a loved one, or a course of treatment for illness.
Anticipation is all about expectation…During the time of Jesus people were expecting the Messiah who would come as the Prince of Peace.
Many people envision a future in which conflicts end, justice prevails, and peace is achieved. I find the words of the Carol deeply moving:
With the woes of sin and strife
the world has suffered long
beneath the angel strain
have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
and man, at war with man,
hears not the love-song which they bring.
O hush the noise, ye men of strife
and hear the angels sing!
As we anticipate this wonderful season, what can we do to bring just that bit more love and peace to the world. How can we spread that love song of the angels?
I shall certainly enjoy and appreciate the expressions of love of my family; This year it will be particularly special. In recent months, my family has experienced some challenges due to my wife's major surgery; fortunately, she is recovering well. Looking ahead, the period between Christmas Day and the new year is typically a quieter time spent together as a family, watching television and making use of new items received during Christmas. These activities are planned for this year as well. A wonderful expectation.
Regardless of whether our anticipation is optimistic or pessimistic, it is important to recognise its presence and evaluate how it influences our lives. This reflection may also include consideration of religious perspectives, such as the belief that Jesus was sent within the incarnation as an expression of divine love.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Revd John (Tickhill Methodist).
Every Blessing,With every good wish; Reverend John Henry, Methodist minister. Minister of Tickhill Methodist Church & Superintendent of Doncaster Methodist Circuit.
- Tickhill Methodist Church
- Northgate
- Tickhill
- South Yorkshire
- DN11 9HY