麻豆约拍

Good morning. This Christmas I am looking forward to the visit of one of my oldest friends from the British Virgin Islands. We鈥檝e known each other since our teenage years but have lived at least 3,000 miles apart for most of our lives since then.

He鈥檚 never been to Britain so in the last few months my wife and I have been canvassing opinion on Britain鈥檚 must see sights.

Some suggestions cropped up regularly: Edinburgh Castle, Holy Island, Hadrian鈥檚 Wall, Durham Cathedral, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, Land鈥檚 End and numerous museums, art galleries, cathedrals and castles in between. Unsurprisingly, we received far more suggestions than will fit into a 10 day visit.

The exercise made me more aware of two things. First, it reminded me of the rich history that has shaped these islands, for good and ill, leaving an indelible mark on them for the future.
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Second, it also reminded me that the primary purpose of my friend鈥檚 visit is not to conduct a tour of Britain鈥檚 best tourist attractions. Rather the primary purpose is to renew friendship, to talk, to laugh, to pray. These too leave a mark, which though less obvious, is just as indelible.

Who are the people with whom you will spend time this Christmas, and among whom you will leave your mark?

I am always deeply impressed by those who give generously of their time to charity over Christmas, whether serving the homeless, housing vulnerable children, or supporting the lonely. Their efforts, often unseen and unsung, nonetheless leave a mark on the lives they touch.

Gracious God,
thank you for all whose lives intersect with ours.
May we recognise in each we meet
another who bears the image of God. Amen.