December Message

DECEMBER MESSAGE

Christmas is coming

Hark! The herald-angels sing, Glory to the new-born King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled

During the month of December our churches will be going through the season of Advent, preparing to celebrate Christmas when our loving God came down to this earth, was born as a baby and laid in a manger in a stable by an inn. The familiar words in the carol above remind us that he showed his great love for all mankind by dying on a cross to save us all.

December can be a busy time for all of us as we get ready for Christmas in our homes and if we are not careful we can lose sight of what it is we are celebrating. There are various carol services, crib services, nativities and carol concerts in our five churches. Why not join us at one or more of these to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

How silently, how silently, The wondrous 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 receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

At Christmas we celebrate an event that happened around two thousand years ago. We will all give and receive many presents this Christmas but are we willing to receive the greatest gift of all, freely offered by our loving God.  Are we willing to open our hearts and minds to him and invite him into our lives this Christmas?

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.

Brian Turner … Churchwarden St Mary’s Knockin.

Words in italics are taken from three familiar Christmas carols:

Hark the herald-angels sing … written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

O little town of Bethlehem … written by Bishop Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)

Away in a manger … verse 3 written by  J T McFarland around 1906