Merry Christmas to one and all. I just want to say thank you to all those who have helped the church and community celebrate Christmas over the last few days. Highlights for me include the Carols in the Farm Yard with all the animals. A magical time. Then we had a fun ‘love’ themed service with Alexandra and Sandie to mark the final Sunday of Advent. On the 23rd we had hot dogs, popcorn whilst watching Home Alone. (The church was transformed into an amazing cinema experience). On Christmas Eve we gathered around the crib to sing Silent Night and welcome the greatest gift of all into our lives, our homes, and our world. My first Midnight Mass at St. James was very special to me. Sharing the peace, and a Merry Christmas, as the clock struck midnight was wonderful. Christmas morning in the church has been my highlight of the last week though. Lots of my family attended and there was a joyful atmosphere as we praised God, greeted one another, ate chocolates (thank you Alice!) and departed in high spirits (Holy Spirit) for the rest of our Christmas Day.

So, the main event is over but the joy, hope, peace, and love have only just arrived. My invitation to you is to spend time over the next few days with the gift of Christ. Explore what this gift might mean for you in the year ahead. Which parts of the gift might you be more uncomfortable with? What parts of the gift would you like to explore more?

I look forward to exploring with the church what Christ means for us, what Christ desires for us, and what Christ will open up for us as we enter a New Year.