FOMO/NOMO

Dear friends

I can’t begin to count the number of Black Friday offers I have missed out on. What a terrible person I must be, as I am not in the least bit bothered.

Phrases like “LAST CHANCE!” “special early access!” “exclusive discount deal!” “It’s HERE!” and “NOW’S THE TIME!” shriek at me from my inbox.

I must confess a few years ago I set up a different email address, specifically to be given to any “retail” operation, so all the marketing these businesses send me goes into its own special mailbox. When I read these mails, therefore, I know in advance they are selling, and can therefore skim them with a degree of concentration well below that which I give to my “personal” or “work” correspondence. It is hard, though, I do confess, to just ignore them. I must be a really callous person. After all, they might be very kind people who want to help me and I could be missing something amazing.

It is completely normal not to want to pass up a genuine bargain. Apparently, even the financial markets are driven in part by the “Fear of Missing Out”. Sentiment is hard to quantify, but the herd instinct runs deep. “We all like sheep have gone astray,” Isaiah bewailed.

A reality check is therefore needed. Do I really need this or that? Maybe, or maybe not. If I do, do I really need it right now? Maybe, or maybe not. Then, can I afford it? Again, maybe, or maybe not. Are there other things higher up in the priority list? Maybe, or maybe not. Would it be better if I saved up a little at a time and waited? What does the price history of the item look like? Can I do without it? For life is short, and time is the most precious thing we have, above money, above “stuff”.

At this start of Advent, therefore, the “waiting for the Lord” time, when we prepare our hearts and homes for the arrival of our Saviour, it is a chance to look again at our priorities, eyeball the scaly old FOMO dragon, and laugh at his fabrications, contortions and din. For he is made of paper, painted and gaudy, a giant dancing puppet on sticks parading down the mall, a product of the machinations of men, (and, increasingly, machines). You point him to the dirt, and back down the road to the old stable in a far flung corner of the war weary world. You point him to the skies, where, for those with ears to hear, the echoes of angel song can still be heard. And you point him to your heart, which is not for sale, as it is held captive by another love. “I’m NOt Missing Out on anything,” you say. That’ll fix him.  If he bares his teeth, smile, and refer him to St Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 3, verses 7-10.

Worship Services for Sunday 7th December

9.30am Family Service at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Morning Prayer at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Revd Kevin Davies

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Coffee and Mince Pies

…at Checkendon Village Hall, this Saturday, 6th Dec, from 10.30am until 12noon, when Checkendon Church are hosting this excellent community get together. There is something for everyone, with (free) coffee and mince pies, a craft table for youngsters (of any age), a book exchange, a produce stall, and on the stage a chance to enjoy the vintage model railway. Do come along, and catch up with friends old and new.

Next week you are invited to attend Checkendon School’s Infant Nativity production, at 2pm on Wed 10th in the school hall. There is also the school carol service, in the Church at 2.30pm on the following Wednesday (17th), and members of the Checkendon community are welcome at both celebrations.

The Church of England offers free daily reflections throughout Advent. You can receive them by email, or through the mobile app, or via WhatsApp.  Click on the link for more details, which will take you to the national C/E website page. Highly recommended, and a better use of your time than following the click-bait.

Rejoice, the Lord is coming. Celebrations are in hand. A little anticipation is certainly the order of the day. Peace be with you, and yours.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.