This year our reflections are based around the theme of joy. Joy as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ during advent and joy as we ponder in prayer the great mystery of God’s saving love during the Christmas season.

The angel said the shepherds, “do not be afraid, for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people”. Luke 2;10-11

The great joy at Christmas, I believe, is the good news that the angel declared to the shepherds. The news of Jesus birth as Emmanuel (God with us). In Jesus, God comes to us in a form that we can recognise, as a human child.

Advent is a season of anticipation, of the coming of our Lord and a season of discernment.

During 2026 we will be considering through prayer and discernment where God will be taking us as a Benefice and who He is preparing for our part time posts of vicar and schools and families worker.

January gives an opportunity to pray and reflect with a retreat day on waiting on Saturday 17th January.

There is no doubt that we are living in tough times, our time on earth is limited and we are to use it wisely. God’s love is able to give us lasting meaning and joy to everything we do.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;

Let earth receive her king;

Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing.

Rev Chris Alexander