Rev David Warner column: Looking forward to truly being together again

In his latest column, the Vicar of Mossley, Reverend David Warner, reflects on many missed important family occasions over the past year and looking forward to such opportunities again.

This Sunday we celebrate the end of the Christmas and Epiphany seasons in church with a feastday we call Candlemas - or more correctly, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple - it reminds us of the moment, 40 days after his birth when Jesus, like all babies of the time, was presented in thanksgiving at his place of worship.

Sadly, baptisms, those first occasions for celebration with children in the Christian faith, as well as other celebration events, have been delayed and cancelled over the past year.

But whatever the situation, being ‘present’ remains important for human beings - perhaps it’s being present that we’ve missed the most because of social distancing and the need to stay away from people?

Many of us will have missed important family occasions, as well as seeing and hugging loved ones. 

Over the past months, I have been privileged to be ‘present’ at happy and sad occasions, ones of grief and mourning, and days of laughter amidst the difficulties and restrictions.

Though the news continues to be dire and the number of deaths hard to bear, and though we must all keep to the rules for a while to come yet, as well as seeking to support the work of those whose work is to keep others safe and well, let’s look forward again to opportunities ahead where we can be present again.

And when it’s possible, let’s be present in the moment, not with mobile phone in hand, but really present, living, loving and enjoying every moment.

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