What Christmas means to us - reflection by Sue Say
Good evening, my name is Sue. I am one of the assistant church wardens for the parish of St Luke in the City, based here at St Brides, I am also an active member of Open Table Liverpool.
I am delighted to be here with you tonight sharing what I can only describe as my favourite service of the year. I absolutely love Christmas! Tonight, we are here to celebrate the light of the world, the birth of Jesus.
We are here to raise our voices in song and rejoice. Events like tonight and the festive season invites us to reflect on what Christmas means to us. It is a time of love, kindness and light. This is a time for us to count our blessings and give thanks.
John 1:1-5. Is a beautiful passage that reminds us of the transformative power of light and hope. As Christ’s light shines in the darkness, so can our acts of kindness illuminate the lives of others. Christmas is a time to care deeply, to give generously, and to share the light within us.
Sometimes we forget just how powerful we are, and the effect we can have on others. Our words can give hope or smash dreams. We must pick them wisely. Our actions speak to who we are. But sometimes I think it is easy for us to focus, too much, on events and special days and by doing that, we miss some of the most amazing things.
Life isn’t just built on the big moments; it’s the small ones, the quiet ones. They are the moments that often hold the greatest meaning. My favourite way to do this is to pay attention to the little things - like catching someone’s eye across a crowded room, sharing a kind word, or offering a simple smile. These things can ripple through someone’s day in ways you might never realize.
These seemingly minor acts have the power to pull someone out of the shadows of silence, to make them feel seen and valued. Try to remember not to underestimate the impact of noticing and appreciating the world around you. You could be the reason someone feels a spark of hope today, because often, it’s the smallest gestures that create the biggest shifts in our hearts. In these simple acts of love and joy, we reflect God’s love.
Christmas is a time to celebrate, not just with lights on our trees, but by the light we share with one another. All this is true and yet, for some, this season can be challenging. Just as Christ came to bring hope to a weary world, we are called to offer compassion to those who are grieving, lonely, or in need of comfort.
Knowing this will bring us together, in shinning our light and love more brightly in all the small ways that we can, letting others know they are not alone. Being a part of Open Table is one of my many blessings. To be part of such a supportive, welcoming community has helped me through some difficult times. You showed me I wasn't alone.
As we celebrate, may we embody the message of John 1 and carry the light within us, into our homes, our communities, and out into our world. Together we can make this season one of love, hope and endless joy.
Those of you who know me well, will have noticed a raincloud over my head yet there’s a rainbow in that cloud; I now have permission to share with you my joy. My child and their partner are expecting their first baby. I am joyful.
The arrival of a baby is a profound symbol of hope, a reminder that even in a world fraught with challenges, new beginnings are always possible. In their tiny, vulnerable form, babies carry an incredible promise of love, renewal, and endless potential, inspiring awe and purpose in those around them.
This is why the Christmas story resonates so deeply today. The birth of Jesus, celebrated as a humble yet extraordinary event, reflects the universal longing for light in darkness, peace in turmoil, and hope in the face of uncertainty. A baby, so small and fragile, yet brimming with transformative possibilities, reminds us of the power of innocence and love to inspire change - offering a timeless message that transcends cultures and generations.
I wish you a Merry Christmas, and may God's light guide and bless you all.