Dear Friends,
I hope this [online] magazine finds you well and looking forward to celebrating Christmas this year.
You don’t need me to tell you that it won’t be the same as usual for us, as I write the government have just announced the new tiers for the country and some of the devolved nations are heading into a post Christmas Lockdown. Where is the Comfort and Joy to be found this year? For some, it will be hard to find. For those whose livelihoods or businesses are under financial pressure already, or whose jobs are under threat, Comfort and Joy will be very scarce.
What message of Hope then can we as Christians bring to the world at this time? Perhaps we need to look back into the Old Testament, to the book of Isaiah, to the one who talked about making straight the paths. These words from Isaiah 40 verse 1 have been in my head an on my heart for the past few weeks, “Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.”
Now, more than ever, do we need Hope, now more than ever, do those who are looking for it, need God’s Comfort. As Christians, we have a message of Hope, we have a message of Comfort, we have a message of Salvation. Which began many thousands of years ago, which came into this world as a tiny helpless baby and which sacrificed himself on the cross and rose to new life for the whole world. This is the message of Hope and Comfort we have to share this Christmastime as always, Christ, the Son of God, born in a stable and born in our hearts once again this year. If possible, why not share that this year with those whom you love near and far.
With my best wishes for a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.
Revd Mike (Rector)