I HOPE that readers of the Lancashire Telegraph have enjoyed a happy Christmas and New Year – whether that be full of seasonal merriment or quieter and perhaps tinged with elements of sadness.

I rather enjoy all the Christmas decorations being up and like to keep the tree going ‘til Twelfth Night.

However, there is something pleasing when everything is taken down, the pine needles are hoovered up, presents put away and everything is back in its proper place.

There is a bit more of a sense of space and of order restored, at least for a bit.

And once the busy calendar of Advent and Christmas events and hospitality is through, there is (for some at least) a little more space in our days and diaries through the relatively quiet months of January and February.

If that’s true for you, then how might you use that bit of extra space? It is so easy for it to be swallowed up, but perhaps we could make good use of it.

How about taking fifteen minutes at the close of the day for reflection? Or taking time to read an inspiring book?

Perhaps to dust down the Bible if it’s been sat on the shelf unopened for a long time and to dip into its riches? Sometimes it is something ‘practical’ that would fit the bill.

Making that phone call we’ve meant to make for ages, or dropping in on a neighbour, especially someone new, or lonely.

Putting into practice a little bit of that ‘peace and goodwill’ that the Christmas angels reminded us of just a few weeks ago.

That message isn’t for one day only. And neither is the big message of Christmas – the message that God loves us so much that he came among us to share our life, that we might share in the peace and joy of his eternal life.

That is good news indeed, and plenty to ponder on for any number of fifteen minutes!

Rev. Toby Webber

Vicar of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors