Here in Oundle the sale of “Cards for Good Causes” is in full swing in St Peter’s Church, so the annual pre-Christmas excitement is starting to get underway.

Soon, in spite of the economic problems we all face, people will be rushing around the shops looking for that perfect Christmas gift for granddad, mum or young Tom.

It is a hectic round of activity, repeated year after year ---- but ----- why do we do it? What does it all mean?

Perhaps, for many, the oft used abbreviation “X”mas is appropriate, people celebrating and partying but with little idea why. “X” is the unknown factor for those who leave Christ out of Christmas.

Away from all the frantic activity, the Christian Church prepares for Christmas in the season we call Advent, which means “Coming”.

This year Advent begins on Sunday, 30^th November and on that day St Peter’s Church will once again hold the beautifully simple Christingle Service, much loved by children and young people alike.

The Christingle is a visual aid to remind us of all that God has done for us in creating a beautiful world and, season by season, providing for all our needs,.

Most of all, it tells of Jesus coming to be the “Light of the World” and of how He loves us so much that He died on the Cross to save us from our sins. That is why His birth is so significant and it is the reason for all our Christmas celebrations.

So do plan to come to the Christingle Service at 4.00pm on Sunday, 30^th November and join in this wonderful start of the lead up to Christmas.

Advent, however, has another purpose and that is to remind us that, one day, Jesus will return again to this world. Only this time He will come as King, in glory and majesty to judge all people and all nations.

The Bible tells us that “Every eye will see Him” (Revelations 1:7) and so, in preparation for that day, “Every knee should bow ---- and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11)

Jesus taught that when He comes again He will cause separation. He will come as judge to separate the sheep (those who have trusted, loved and obeyed Him) from the goats (those who have ignored or rejected Him)

So Advent is a time to examine our lives, to make sure that we are living in a right relationship with God. This is not achieved by our own efforts, but is only possible as we confess our sins, ask for forgiveness and believe and trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord.

Jesus warned, “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)