PASTORAL LETTER

We are entering the season of Advent. Advent means 'arrival', or as a child once said, "Are we nearly there yet?" We are looking forward to celebrating the arrival on earth of the One who has changed everything: Eternal God in the tiny form of a human being. The Creator of the universe, come to be one of us. And when he arrived, it was not in a grand palace, but an animal shelter, in an ordinary home, to ordinary parents – he truly was one of us. And yet he is God. John's gospel calls him 'the Word', who was with God in the beginning.

There is such awe and mystery about the Christmas story. We can't easily comprehend it, so that is why we need time: these four weeks of Advent, to prepare ourselves, and to focus on who Jesus really is. Our Advent services begin with the lighting of a candle and what we call an Advent liturgy – some words to help us in our time of preparation. These are often centred around the themes of Peace, Joy, Hope and Love – all things which Jesus brings to those who open their hearts to him. You may find it helpful to meditate on each of these words as we go through Advent.

This year we will also have available for everyone a 'Little Book of Advent', which gives Bible texts and images to help us explore the themes of Waiting, Hoping, Preparing and Arrival. I hope these will be helpful to you in your devotions at home. Another way that you could enter the spiritual journey of Advent is to join our Home Group, which will be looking at the Biblical accounts of Jesus' birth and what they mean for us today. The group meets on alternate Wednesday evenings. Please pick up a notice in church which gives the details.

There are lots of wonderful traditions which we enjoy at Christmas time but at the heart of it all is a world-changing event which can easily get overlooked now, just as it was at the time. But for those who take time to seek him, Jesus changes everything.

I pray that you will have a special experience of Jesus Christ, God with us, this Christmas, and that his light will shine through you to touch others too.

God bless and shield you and keep you in his peace.

Diane