The Preston Salvation Army Band in which I am privileged to be a part of, is well into its 2009 Christmas Carolling schedule.
We are fortunate to be able to play carols in the streets of Preston (Victoria) and in a major Shopping Centre - Northlands.
In the Shopping Centre, the traditional carols mixed with Christmas songs are played and people gather around to listen and then move off to complete the last minute Christmas shopping before it's too late.
We have been able to make contact with people if they have has a spare minute and although it only may be a brief time in the busyness of the season, I can not help wonder if people really stop to take in the real meaning of Christmas.
I pray that we have been able to give some hope to people this Christmas, some small word as to the reason for the season and share some peace in this time of year.
A song that has been playing in my mind (albeit not a Christmas song) speaks of the Grace of God. In Christianity - Grace is defined as "unmerited favour" from God.
Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise
Is only by His grace.
Grace alone which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.
As we have had a chance again this year to spread the "Good News" of Christmas in our small corner of the world, I pray that people will understand that peace, strength and hope for the future can be found in the real meaning of Christmas, and those of us who profess to be Christians, go out with Christ as our cornerstone to a world in need of hope, peace and love.
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