VICARS in Northwich have shared their thoughts on the spirit and joy of Christmas - including advice to keep feasting until February 2.
With pressure to consume coming from every angle, it’s all too easy to forget, but Advent – the three weeks before Christmas – is when Christians slow down and ‘take stock’, says vicar of Christ Church, Barnton, and St Luke’s, Winnington, the Rev Debbie Dalby.
But the good news is, according to Debbie, we should be keeping the party going right through until February.
Debbie says Christmastide – which doesn't end until Candlemass on February 2 - helps take the edge off the longest and coldest nights of the year.
“I especially like the build-up to Christmas – Advent – because it’s all about waiting and anticipation,” she said.
“For Christians, the time building up to Christmas is a pared-down time.
"You shouldn’t be filling it with lots of food and activities.
“You should be taking stock a bit, and being mindful about things like social justice, and people who're having a really awful time, like those in the Holy Land at the moment.
“It’s the opposite to the world shops present us, which is all about getting it done before Christmas, and it’s all over on December 25.
“The feasting and celebrations should go on to February 2 – Candlemass – getting you through the really dark nights of winter."
Vicar of St Helen’s Church, Witton, the Rev Andrew Ridley, says he especially enjoys welcoming people to Church at Christmas, strangers and old friends alike.
Andrew said: “I love everything about Christmas, but at the very heart of it, is God’s love for us.
“It gets me every time when I think he could make himself so approachable, so vulnerable, and so fragile, by coming down to us as a baby.
"I still marvel at it. It hits both my head and my heart.
“I love welcoming people in church – the regulars, the irregulars, the visitors, and the strangers.
“We have a thing called ‘Place of Welcome’ every week here, and we had a special Christmas lunch for all the regulars.
“It’s about providing a place to go to for people who would otherwise spend too much time on their own.
“We also have a tradition here were people who’ve lost a loved one in the year put a candle on the window ledges, along with a card, which we light at the special services.
"There’re about 200 this year.
“It’s a way of remembering those we’ll miss around our dining tables this year.
"Christmas Eve is our first communion of Christmas.
“We also have an 8am service on Christmas Day, and then one at 10am. That’s my favourite.
“After that, I get to relax. Three of our four children are home for Christmas this year, and they’re threatening to do most of the cooking.
"That’ll be nice for both me and my wife.”
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