As 2024 draws towards its end, I would like to thank Revd Max, the churchwardens, the PCC and everyone who has worked hard, to serve God in in the Parish over the past year.
As the evenings become darker earlier, the new Church calendar begins, and we enter the Advent season expectant of the coming of the light.
So, our Christian year begins with waiting. We wait in anticipation of Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we wait in hope for when Jesus comes again. Luke says in his Gospel,
‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’ (Luke 21:25-28)
Some of Luke’s words resonate with us today, as we witness the terrible things that are happening in the world. Yet Luke tells Jesus’ followers ‘to stand tall and lift up your heads.’ Rather than allowing fear and confusion to dominate our thoughts, we are called to look up as we wait for and work for the coming of God’s reign.
Christ is here, urging us to “keep awake”, and to trust in his light, a light that no darkness can put out.
We stay awake, watch and wait, for we do not know the hour or the day of your arrival.
Come, Lord, bringer of hope.
Create in us a desire for a world transformed to reflect your glory.
Come, Lord, bringer of hope.
Lead us in your ways, as together we make a change, to dispel the darkness of poverty.
Come, Lord, bringer of hope.
CAFOD
As we approach Christmas, please do join me in continuing to pray for our world and for all those in need, remembering, also, to thank God for his goodness.
I look forward to seeing you over the next few weeks and wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas!
God bless,
Sue