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xmas Feast

Christmas – It’s not just about the food!

Jane Walters is looking forward to her Christmas dinner, and has been reflecting on the purpose of all that feasting.

For this seasonal reflection, I’m treading carefully. I’ve been mulling over the theme of “feasting” and nearly abandoned it several times. How can I possibly write about feasting during a time of austerity and, sadly, even poverty for many? The answer: as sensitively as possible! 
 
What comes to mind when you think of a feast? Despite my aversion to history at school, I’m picturing Henry VIII, all hogs’ heads and mead and much merriment. Or how about the Christmas adverts for Waitrose or M&S? Tables decorated with gold and sparkle, laden with fancy this and that, straight out of the packet. My Christmas fare looks far more humble in comparison… 
 
A quick Google of “Christian feasts” gave me a chart of the nine principal feasts and three principal holy days, as set by the Church of England. These include Christmas Day, Epiphany, Easter Day and Pentecost, with others fairly unevenly spread through the year. They offer the equivalent of one opportunity per month to celebrate. And isn’t that the key word? It’s not about filling our stomachs and draining our purses, but pausing in recognition of a significant event. (I remember many years ago pondering whether we should throw a party to celebrate our engagement. I felt God nudge me to turn to the Old Testament, where some of the festivities lasted for weeks! It felt a simple decision to make after that.) 
 
The sense of feasting doesn’t have to involve lavish hospitality, hours in the kitchen or spending money we don’t have. The book of Proverbs has a couple of timely tips. ‘Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife’ (Proverbs 17:1). If you’ve ever experienced a family or friendship falling-out on Christmas Day, you’ll know the wisdom of that one. Or how about this? ‘Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred’ (15:17). 
 
This year, perhaps more than ever, we have the chance to re-think how we do Christmas. We don’t have to buy in to the cultural myth that everything should be over-the-top and aiming for perfection. Instead, we can focus on what we are celebrating: the coming of the Messiah into our world to re-connect us with the God who created and loves us. 
 
However simple the fare, I hope and pray that you have a peaceful Christmas that fills your heart and satisfies your soul.

The image is courtesy of pixabay.com
 


Jane Walters 175Jane Walters, formerly Clamp, is the author of Too Soon, a mother’s journey through miscarriage (SPCK) and a regular contributor to Premier Radio and UCB. She is also vice-chair of the Association of Christian Writers. Jane leads creative writing retreats and is a popular speaker locally and further afield. Visit: janewyattwalters.com
 

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