‘Take a Moment’ December 2024

Advent apart from practical preparations Christians everywhere are trying to keep focused on preparing our hearts to receive Jesus afresh into our lives, to reflect on what that means to us and his promise to return, so on Christmas morning we can truly celebrate the birth of Gods son.

If you are lucky enough to be sharing this Christmas with family or friends you will be looking forward at this special time.

But those who have lost loved ones, for them, this looking forward is difficult, or if a special family member cannot share it with us for whatever reason. We remember our armed forces, and those whose families are caught up in war and political unrest around the world for them Christmas joy is tinged with sadness.

At Christmas we hear the story of the shepherds regarding the birth of the awaited messiah. But at the heart of the message of the angels who appeared to lowly shepherds, for me, is, ‘you will find him’ but that they were then to go and look for him.

Leaving their work and their sheep they set off to find the greatest gift the world has ever received, who changes lives, and gives hope. And they didn’t find it where they thought they would. This child, this gift to the world was laid in a humble stable. Here they realised God was with them, with us all.

We too will be blessed as were the shepherds, if we can commit ourselves to take a little time during this busy season to go and look for Jesus not in the wrappings and tinsel but in the ordinary simple things this Christmas, in the gift of life and faces of those we love and strangers we meet, for God is with us.

God wants us to find him as much as we need to find him.

I hope you will join us at this special time, we would love for you to celebrate with us.

Carol Service Thursday 19^th December 6.30pm

Christmas morning 10.00am

Wishing you a Holy and Peace filled Christmas.

Revd Kathy Bush

01790763266