Christmas 1962
19 - CHRISTMAS - 62
The Vicarage, Blackmore,
Essex.
Dear Friend,
It is more than five years
since we made our home in Blackmore. We begin to feel that we are taking root
in the Essex countryside. Our village is a little off the beaten track and the
tempo of life is slower than in Woodford and Walthamstow, the districts from
which we came. We find this suits us very well and if we see less of friends of
long standing, we feel that our lives have been greatly enriched in the making
of new friendships with people of choice character.
As regards the Parish, the
year has brought the round of activities which have established a pattern of
procedure for us. In February we held our Parish Supper, an enjoyable meal
followed by a review of the previous year's results in church affairs and a
statement of our plans for 1962, afforded an occasion of happy fellowship. The
Annual Meeting in early May was encouraging. The accounts showed a slightly
improved position and the Church decided to increase its giving from the church
funds to the Church's work at home and overseas. Once again we were favoured
with a lovely day for our Garden Fete in the grounds of Jericho Priory, held as
usual in June. The proceeds, in aid of the church repairs, showed a slight
increase over previous years. And so with the harvest services and supper, the
childrens and women's outings, we could write in similar strain. Looking back,
we feel it has been a good year.
There is also that aspect of
Christ's work in our Parish, not so evident as the more public occasions, which
is, in our minds, of greater importance. We feel that with the few there is a
growing appreciation for the Word of God, a gradual and deepening spiritual
apprehension of Christ our Saviour and of God's eternal purposes in Him. There
is growth in the work amongst the children, and the Bible study held
fortnightly is better attended. In pastoral ministry to the aged, the sick and
the sorrowing we have been conscious of the Lord's help in bringing counsel and
comfort to those in need. Preparation for baptism and marriage, the conducting
of funerals, all enable us to urge our parishioners to relate their lives to
God and so secure the rich blessings He makes available to those who make his
Son their Friend.
The repairs to the fabric of
our ancient church still claim much time and attention. We are suffering from
past years of neglect. What we thought would cost some £5000 when we first
came, will eventually cost quite £12,000. An important stage in the repair of
the historic wooden tower is in progress as we write and this will take us past
the halfway mark.
As regards ourselves, we
continue in good health and are grateful for strength given to perform our
duties. Our lives seem busier than ever. We are conscious of a closer walk with
the Lord Jesus and find the peace He promised His followers, a greater reality
in our lives.
This year has not been
uneventful with its piloted earth satellites, inter-stellar probes and crises
in Africa, the Middle East, Cuba and India. There is the anomaly of half the
world wanting and half the world wasting; of human knowledge and skill
providing at the same time, the means to improve health and prolong life, and
also to maim and destroy millions. Small wonder that peace does not flourish in
such a seed bed. Yet it was into this same world that Jesus came nineteen centuries
ago. Changes are only in form not in spirit or nature. Men yearned for peace
then as now. The absence of peace from the affairs of nations was and is only a
reflection of the absence of peace from the affairs of men. The message of the
Angels was "Peace on earth to men of good will." If all were men of
good will, and in the experience of peace, then would there be peace with
nations.
In his commentary, Matthew
Henry says that the Lord Jesus had neither silver nor gold to leave his
disciples his departing but he bequeathed something infinitely more valuable -
his peace. This legacy is for the reader and writer as much as for the twelve.
Here is the clause.
"Peace is my parting gift
to you, my own peace, such the world cannot give. Set your troubled hearts at
rest, and banish your fears." (John 14.27 N.E.B.)
It remains to record our
affectionate greetings. To wish you God's rich blessing through the coming
year. To say that as we address the envelope which brings you this letter, we
gather you and your affairs into our thoughts and prayers. We hope we may hear
from you when you have time to write.
Very cordially yours,
Hilda and Montague H. Knott
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