don't wish to be accused of being an unseasonable grouch, but in a week where Archbishop John Sentamu did a Radio 2 'Thought for the Day' on the angel visiting Mary with words of 'Do not fear', I also received my first Christmas card (from another notable Anglican).
What's going on ... It's still the middle of November!

We are still well over a week away from Advent, they must have been a fortnight away when the scripts and cards were written. The Anglicans are supposed to be the ones who understand the Church's Year, but it seems even they are being pulled further into the premature culture that see mince pies and charity cards in the shops long before All Hallows Eve.

Why are we in such a rush to get to Christmas and then in so desperate to leaver it all behind again just a few days later. It's not a day .... its a season ... and we are nowhere near it yet.

There is, says the Bible, a time and season for everything, maybe we Baptist's out there could start a movement to reclaim the proper time and season of Christmas.

I guess this means I can still be accused of being a grouch but at least I'm not not an unseasonable one! The church in its wisdom has allowed four weeks of preparation for Christmas ...
surely that should be enough.

Unless of course God is coming early this year and only the Anglicans know about it.