We humans are social animals; we enjoy eating together, learning together, having fun together, worshipping together, or simpy being together. The Christmas/New Year period has become a time for parties, shared meals, and general frivolity – although very often at the expense of worship.

We must not forget, however, the tens of thousands of people in this country, and millions more worldwide, who will go hungry on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and all the days in between. We thank God for charities such as Crisis at Christmas and many local churches and other organisations that try to put a little Christmas cheer into broken and desperate lives.

God’s feast is open to everyone, not only the rich and powerful who think they have better and more interesting things to do, but equally those out in the highways and byways, – the poor, the homeless, the marginalised. They have often been led to believe that the invitation is not for them and may need to be invited several times before they can be persuaded that it is OK for them to accept it. As we begin to prepare for the WDP service from Slovenia, may we also remember that the service is not an end in itself: it demands a prayerful response from us.

Every good wish to everyone for Christmas and for 2019.

(Dr) Elizabeth Burroughs
Chairperson
World Day of Prayer National Committee for England, Wales & Northern Ireland