"OF course, this will be your busy time."

As a minister this is a phrase I have heard a lot through my years of ministry.

I understand what people mean, there are a lot of things on.

Carol services galore and Christmas shows and nativities.

I must confess that I never tire of hearing children sing 'Away in a manger', it always strikes an emotional chord.

People assume that Christmas is the busy time for ministers, for it may be the only time when they interact with a member of the clergy in some form or other.

For me in my ministry the whole year is busy.

I think I would change it from a busy time to a special time.

For Christmas is special.

The decorations and lights are put up and there is an air of expectation, especially when viewed through the eyes of a child.

It should be a special time, for we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

In the gospel of John, Jesus is described as the light of the world.

The light that Jesus brings is God's hope, peace and love.

From these gifts we can experience true joy.

I hope and pray that Christmas is a special time of joy for all of you and that the light of God's love may shine in the journey of your life.

Reverend David Burt

Moderator of the Church of Scotland Clyde Presbytery