by Jennifer Valentine-Miller

This year is a strange year. Some say the year has been too emotional and Christmas cannot be celebrated with ongoing war, floods, and earthquakes.

In December leading to up to the New Year there are two significant holidays that could pass by unrecognised; Yom Kippur ( Day of Atonement) in September and Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) December 7 – 15, both events are celebrated by members from our Jewish community.

It is difficult to celebrate when it seems that nothing has been achieved. From a Christian perspective
Advent is a time to pray for help to achieve the plans in your life over the festive season, because we all need to realise that the plans over Christmas cannot be done by our own strength. Please be aware that Christianity is of course a broad term, encompassing a range of denominations and belief practices. This includes Catholicism, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Adventists, Methodists and many others. All the denominations might have very different practices and opinions but united by the same basic beliefs; that seeking Christ (the Saviour of World) is the way to Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.