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December 2019 December 2019
Today, over 2000 years later, millions of people have no room for Jesus either.
They may participate enthusiastically in the party festivities of the Christmas BRIANTSPUDDLE AND AFFPUDDLE
season, but Jesus – who is the reason for the season- is kept out of their inner lives.
How sad that there is still that ‘no vacancy’ sign across eyes, ears, hearts and NEWS
lives.
But there is another and possibly more plausible explanation surrounding this part
of the story. The inn was not a hotel as we know it. It was an open hall, probably AFFPUDDLE AND TURNERSPUDDLE PARISH
with a large table around which the guests reclined to eat and drink and then lay COUNCIL
there, around the table, to sleep. It was very public, very busy and probably very
noisy, somewhat like an airport, train or bus terminal. The stable, on the other
hand, was usually a cave, not a barn or shed. Therefore it would have been
warm and dry and, most importantly, private. In Mary’s condition, other than Dog Fouling Issues
being a guest in a private home, this was the best place for her. In his kindness Parish Councillors have been made aware of a particular issue concerning dog
and compassion, the inn-keeper showed great sensitivity to Mary and Joseph, fouling along footpaths in the parish. Dog fouling laws are in place because dog
and so gladly made room for the birth of their child, not realising of course, that
faeces is unsightly and unpleasant. However, it also represents a serious health
this special child was Jesus Christ the Son of God! hazard.
Since then there have been millions of people who with great joy have gladly Toxocariasis can cause serious illness, leading to blindness. It is caused by a
made room for Jesus in their lives, and have welcomed Him in as their Saviour, parasite which lays its eggs in the soil. If they are ingested by someone, for
Redeemer and Lord. example a small child, they may hatch into larvae causing toxocariasis. So, the
child doesn’t necessarily have to pick up dog faeces in order to become infected
Have you any room for Jesus? Will you let Him into your life, to stay permanently,
not just in the spare room at the back, or even the cave outside, but into the – they could just be playing where the soil still contains eggs.
whole house – the whole of your life? You will never regret it.
Councillors very much hope that this article will highlight the anti-social
consequences of not clearing up after your dog. However, the Clean
Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 allows local authorities and
Just a Smile
communities to create bylaws relating to dog mess and issue dog control orders
Not again! A church group were preparing for the Christmas nativity play, when against individual dog owners for offences including allowing their dog to foul in a
one boy complained: “Not that maternity play again, we did that last year!” public space. Councils can issue fixed penalty orders and serious cases can result
in prosecution.
A group of junior children were performing a nativity play. They had been
encouraged to improvise and use their own words. Two shepherds approached If you witness dog fouling the best place to log the incident is with the Dog
the manger nervously, smiled at Mary, and shyly knelt down without a word. The Warden at Dorset Council. The link to the website is
third, a bolder boy, looked into the manger, then he turned to Mary with a smile
and said, “Isn’t he like his dad.” https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/environmental-health/dog-warden-
service.aspx
(This comment was more true than the boy could have ever known. Jesus said,
“He who has seen me has seen the Father also. I and the Father are one. John
14:9 ) Roads and Highways Initiatives
Councillors discussed several initiatives to benefit residents throughout the Parish.
These will be discussed again at the December meeting following a site visit to
discuss the pros and cons of individual proposals.

Affpuddle and Turnerspuddle website: www.briantspuddle.info

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