Christian Comment with Eric Massey of Rodborough Tabernacle Minister

IT IS as we move through advent we can think about those for whom this is a difficult time, those who live alongside us almost unnoticed.

Jesus reminds any one who might think about following his approach to life that there are those who easily slip off the agenda.

It seems easy to think of those people rather than Mary or Bill, the ex prisoner or addicted person whether to drink, drugs or gambling, they are in need of care alongside so many others.

Our ability to care may be challenged by just who people are, it is this barrier and others that we are encouraged to break down.

At this time of year we are encouraged to think about prisoners and their families, it is an experience that Jesus actually knew something about, he was imprisoned for the last day of his life, and his mother certainly knew where he was and what danger he was in.

There is no local prison now, people may have to travel to Bristol or Wolverhampton, for families this may be too difficult or even too expensive.

I wonder whether the people of Stroud may concern themselves with the needs of the prisoner and their family and respond with love and kindness, support the families in their time of crisis and the prisoners by increasing our aware awareness of restorative justice and the part it can play in rebuilding community.

Love made real is the message of Christmas.

Hollow sounding if you are homeless, unemployed, an asylum seeker or just plain isolated and lonely .

Real love, captured by the John Lewis advert, is heart warming in some ways but really challenging in others, to the hurting families in our community in particular.

Loss doesn’t sidestep advent, whether that is a loved one or a relationship, a job or even your freedom.

Loss of a dream, loss of hope, how on earth are broken hearts mended.

One simple answer might be we can do it, us the community that knows love as a gift of God.