South Holland and the Deeping's MP John Hayes: "Family, fellowship and fraternity matter most"
Christmas offers a chance to give and space for contemplation. That’s why - like so many of you, no doubt - during the holiday I will take precious moments away from the hustle and bustle to reflect upon what matters most – family, fellowship and fraternity.
For those of us in public service, Christmas is a reminder that small acts of kindness and compassion are very often more powerful than grand plans or clever schemes drawn up in Government offices.
Christian teaching makes clear that people’s lot is not entirely of their own making. So, the fortunate’ s God given fraternal responsibility to elevate those fortune has favoured less so should define the work of all tasked with the responsibility of speaking for others. Care and the generosity it spawns counter the indulgent individualism and loneliness that hallmark too much of modern life.
The combination of faith in the strength of heartfelt loyalties, hope in our power to ameliorate human frailty and a charitably humane view of those whose lives are limited by want or pain are at the heart of a just society. Let us pray that the coming year is one where faith, hope and charity triumph over soulless selfishness.
Christmas represents an opportunity for fellowship, exemplified in the relationship between God and man, brought to life vividly by the poet John Betjeman, who reminded us that -
"The maker of the stars and sea became a child on earth for me."
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We must resist the temptation to relegate the birth of Christ to a comforting folk story. Instead, it should inspire us at this time and throughout the year to spread the good news of God’s love for us all.
In this spirit, perhaps you know a neighbour who would love to attend a carol service at a local church, but has no one to go with, or an acquaintance whose Christmas day might be brightened by a friendly face. The gift of time spent strengthening the bonds we share is far more precious than festive ephemera, comically parodied by Betjeman as –
"Bath salts and inexpensive scent
"And hideous tie so kindly meant."
Christmas is a time for families and home. The warmth of places which bring comfort and the chatter of people who mean most to us shape our sense of belonging and worth. Each year, gazing at local houses illuminated by sparkling lights and marvelling at the glittering winter stars across the Fens, I rejoice in how lucky I am to call South Lincolnshire home.
