Immanuel

This post is the last post before Christmas so I can only say have a blessed Christmas when it comes.

Remember you have 12 days to celebrate which  is good news! If Christmas day does not meet your expectations you have 11 more days to enjoy it. Are you aware of anyone in church who may be glad of some company over this time consider including them in a meal or outing. The only quote of Jesus outside the Gospels is this ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive ‘ Acts 20:35 recorded by St Paul.

Karen and I made a decision earlier in the year that we wanted to sustain our children’s ministry over the main festivals of the church to allow the good fruit of Godly play to continue at these key times.  Consequently Godly Play leaders and helpers will be having a break in January beginning again in the second week of February.  When I am back I will be running a 10 am service without communion on the 14th Jan.  I would like to thank Karen, Shirley and Verity and our volunteers for all they have given to the children and our families through Godly Play this year. It has made a real difference to our life in community.

Christmas is the culmination of carefully laid plans set forth over hundreds of years. As we noted last Sunday evening the’ presents’ given is actually the’ presence’ of God, Immanuel. God with us. The incarnation begins a new creation, a new humanity. Jesus was the first truly human person since Adam and Eve and He invites us to discover afresh the gift of life found in Him. As with Mary, this is made possible through the Holy Spirit and the word planted within us. Will we with Mary say ‘I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have spoken.’ Luke 1:38 Will we receive the Lord into our lives? Is there  room?

Shalom

Jamie