The other day I spotted something that always happens around this time of year: the first sighting of a lesser spotted Cream Egg advert - a sure sign that Christmas is over!

Almost overnight, the shops have managed to refit their retail spaces, so that they can focus on the next big marketing push.

Valentines’ Day and Easter are still many weeks away, yet some shops make us feel as if we don’t buy champagne, flowers, cards, eggs, or bunnies now, then we will be late!

Oh – and don’t forget to book the holiday!

I think we have become a “pot noodle” culture, where everything is consumerist, fast, throw-away and temporary.

We are being conditioned to experience life, much like those instant meals.

To experience Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Easter, all we need to do is to buy it from a shop: remove lid; add hot water; stir; wait a minute. Then consume it quickly and move on without skipping a beat.

I want to try to resist this trend! I am trying to learn to savour the moments in life, let them linger and for their meanings to resonate properly.

I want all experiences in life to be like that because this is the only one we have!

In John’s gospel (John 10:10) Jesus said that he had come so that we might have life and have it to the full. The key is learning how to see. Life is all about seeing, savouring and growing, and finding Jesus already there. He is looking at you: waiting for you to see Him!

The Rev David Cooper

Priest-in-charge of St James’ Church, Arnside