amazingly this is the sixth year I have written an Advent,  celebrating a theme and bringing Christmas closer with each post.  This year the theme is embracing friendship in all its forms, and in doing so will also reflect on hope.  In dark days hope is the lantern to light our path, and for me this year has had its share of dark times.  In those times the friendship offered to us has been comforting and made all the difference.  So, hear we go dear reader, Day One of Friendship and Hope.

Today I stood in a supermarket wearing a snazzy tabard and invited shoppers to think about buying an extra item for the food bank.  It was an extraordinary experience.  Firstly people knew exactly what a Food Bank is and what it does, it needed no explanation, people understand what is needed and why.  With very few exceptions people then shopped and donated, there were tons and tons of items to help others.

It made my heart happy and gave me hope for the future.  More than one person pushed an entire trolley full of things our way, others gave simple items, and lots of special treats for the coming Christmas period.  It was a pure pleasure to see it, Community in Action.

The idea that a whole town can get behind those in need, that everyone understood that people need food, and were willing to help, it was joyous and hopeful in an otherwise sad and scary world.  I can’t think of a better way to begin Advent than to celebrate the community of friendship offering help to those in need.