Christmas Message

Dear Friends,

Christmas is a time of great excitement as we look forward to the presents and the holidays, a chance to rest and relax. I love Christmas Day; the service of celebration in the morning, and then back to the presents and the lunch, time to just be with my family, sharing what we have had with each other and playing games together.

How different is that to the first Christmas when Mary and Joseph found themselves far from home, in a smelly, draughty stable wanting a glimpse of her child, the Son of God. How she would have wanted the peace and security of her own home, surrounded by her own family, yet God called her on this journey of suffering and sacrifice when, with the birth of this child, nothing would ever be the same again for her or Joseph.

God calls us from the Security and comforts of our home, into his service, into the unknown and sometimes the frightening. Mary and Joseph had their world turned upside down by Mary's simple act of obedience and submission. This Christmas time, are you ready to have your world turned upside down as you obey God's word for your lives. Use Advent to prepare for the coming of Christ in your hearts and may all the joy, peace and love of Christmas be yours at this time.

"How silently, how silently the wonderous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will recieve Him still, the dear Christ enters in."

May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and, as each of us is so busy, may I thank you all in advance for the many ways you will help me during December.

Your Servant, as always, in his name

Julie