MINISTERS MUSINGS

DEC/JAN MUSING

GLOBAL WARMING

The danger of global warming is everyday news despite the financial crisis. We are reminded that the polar ice cap is melting and the future of polar bears is being threatened. We cannot get away from the fact that the climate is changing. Gone are the snowy winters of yester-year when tobogganing down local slopes was a looked forward to winter pastime. Now it seems we just get rain, rain and yet more rain even in summer. There is deep concern at the erosion of rain forests from illegal logging and the ever present requirement to cultivate more land to feed an increasing population. We are all aware of the need to cut down our carbon footprint by conserving energy to avoid polluting the atmosphere. The consequences if we fail to do so are dire, so we are warned. Polar bears are not the only species threatened. Humankind itself is.

As we approach the coming festive season and another new year, my thoughts turn to another ‘Global Warming’ of another kind, which has affected planet earth down the centuries. Two thousand years ago a baby was born in a stable in Bethlehem. This was no ordinary baby but the Son of God Himself, come to bring light and warmth to a cold, dark and loveless world. The radiance from that manger bed has chased away darkness and given new hope to a needy world. There is heavenly light and warmth for all who accept the gift of the Saviour King. This is ‘Global Warming’ indeed, one which saves not destroys humankind.

So as we move into Advent, Christmas and New Year, let us go in our thoughts to Bethlehem and worship at the lowly manger bed as did the shepherds on that first Christmas night.

May God bless and keep you this Christmas and give you a New Year full of light and warmth.