Dear Friends & Neighbours,

December is here — the season of twinkly lights, carols, mince pies and (if we’re lucky) a bit of sparkly frost too! In amidst the busyness and bustle, it’s good to pause and remember that the heart of Christmas… the reason we celebrate is because of the most wonderful gift ever given: the gift of Jesus.
God’s gift to us wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper or tied with ribbon, but laid in a manger. In Jesus, God stepped right into our world… into our mess and muddle… to show us His love and to invite us to know Him personally. That’s what Christmas is really all about: the invitation to draw close to the One who loves us and came close to us.

Every year there’s a Christmas advert that tugs at our heartstrings, and this year’s John Lewis one does just that. It tells the story of a dad who’s given a vinyl record by his son, it’s a gift that takes him back to treasured old memories and reconnects them in the present. It’s a lovely reminder that the best gifts aren’t the expensive ones, the best gifts are the ones that bring people closer together. And that’s exactly what God did at Christmas… He gave us the gift that brings us back to Him.

As we gather for our Christingle Services and our Carol Services around the villages … let’s make that a time for reconnecting with the true spirit of Christmas and experience God’s love and hope and peace and joy in our lives as we allow His most wonderful gift Jesus a place in our hearts.

And let’s share that love too. Maybe you could telephone someone you’ve not seen for a while or perhaps invite someone to share a cup of tea with you and reconnect. Or maybe you can invite a friend or a neighbour to come along to a Carol Service with you. There are Carol Services and Christingle Services in all 8 of our villages. We’d love to see you and to enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies after the services with you. Why not come along?

So, in the busyness of this wonderful season, I hope that each one of us will find time to reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas and experience the gift of Jesus’ love which is the best gift any one of us will ever know.

Wishing you and all those you love a blessed and joyful Christmas.

Love Cathy x