Christian comment with Graham Collins of the Holy Trinity Church, Stroud

ONE of the things about the Christmas period is that you hear plenty of music, whatever its era.

One of my favourite pieces is the New World Symphony with its uplifting score and dramatic ending.

It made me think about this New Year and all it holds for each of us.

This is totally unknown of course, despite our plans, for life can change those in an instant.

We seem to live in a World where self-centredness is common, things are often appreciated more than people and compassion and consideration for others is not as common as it once was.

But what if that changed?

What if we had a New World where love, joy and peace were the fundamental values, rather than money.

Where we all actively found ways to support each other and create a just and considerate society?

Not as daft as it sounds.

We get closest to this approach at Christmas, where we often help others with gifts of time and money, given to worthy causes.

The outpouring of grief for Nelson Mandela during the past month has reflected his wonderful approach to life based on compassion and care for all and desire for peace and reconciliation amongst his people in South Africa.

Perhaps again we can learn from him and his legacy of consideration for others.

Jesus Christ himself faced the challenges of a materialistic society and one where justice was based on the sword.

Punishments were extreme and of course he suffered the Romans ultimate punishment in the shape of crucifixion.

Yet, he forgave his persecutors just as Nelson Mandela did some 2,000 years later.

Can we not learn from them what is important?

We have much to learn about life and living together and the Bible teaches us, particularly in the Book of Revelation, that we can enjoy a New World in Christ that will truly show us a place of love, joy and peace.

Surely that is a New World worth having.

A Very Happy New Year to you all.