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“ But the simplest gesture made the biggest difference and gave the new family shelter from the chill when there was none elsewhere.

DECEMBER heralds the season of Advent – the time of preparation and then joy as the Christian world celebrates the arrival of the Son of God.

For some this year, preparations may well be necessarily scaled back, with predicted fuel increases and the loss of the winter fuel allowance for some.

In that story from long ago, Mary and Joseph braved the chill of Middle Eastern nights to journey to Bethlehem for the census.

Although Middle Eastern nights are warmer than the December chill of the UK, they are by no means warm – equivalent to autumnal temperatures in the United Kingdom.

Heavily pregnant and with every bed in town booked out, it was thanks only to the innkeeper that they found shelter in the humblest surroundings – a cattle shed or byre – away from the coolness of the night air.

But the simplest gesture made the biggest difference and gave the new family shelter from the chill when there was none elsewhere. This small gesture made a big difference.

Similarly this winter churches will likely offer that same shelter to communities of people seeking warmth and shelter from the cold amid rising costs and a reduction in support. When fuel costs escalated in 2022, churches were quick to open their doors to offer warm spaces to all, with no expectation, serving and supporting their communities in need.

Each warm space was different and tailored to fit with local need – demonstrating the understanding of congregations in supporting local needs. Whilst it may feel like little, to some people it will be meaningful and could make a big difference to their lives. News reports have suggested that particularly those who will be losing entitlement to the winter heating allowance will be tightening their belt, heating a smaller space for less time and wearing more clothes.

This Christmas doors of church spaces will likely open again to strangers seeking shelter and a warm welcome. Whilst openings may be short and feel, at times, like a drop in the ocean, they will make a difference to many.

For alone, it can feel as if little difference is made, but thanks to presbyterian togetherness, that collective difference could amount to supporting thousands of people in need of warmth and shelter, with the impact of such generosity perhaps best summed up by Proverbs 11:25: ‘A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.’ (NRSV) ¤

The staff of Life and Work would like to wish all readers a blessed Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Lynne McNeil Editor