For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Those words from Isaiah prophesy the coming of God with us (Emmanuel). In these times of strife and difficulty our focus is often distracted by troubles of the world. Yet every year at Christmas the message of Peace comes among us. Not in the gifts we receive, although they are very nice, we are asked to look beyond the material to the Holy. Holy means to set apart for a purpose, for us as Christians it is to set the season apart for the welcoming of Jesus. To marvel at the grace of God in giving us his Son. In this story of wonder we see journeys, Angels, refusal and welcome and above all joy. Joseph and Mary set off for Bethlehem having been visited by Angels. Shepherds journey to the birthplace having heard the Angels sing. The wise men journey and having visited the Holy Family an Angel tells them to return home a different way. As we dress our Christmas trees this year perhaps, we might think of the real Christmas story, as we place the star or the angel atop the tree. Reflecting on the innocent child in the manger, his young parents both excited and worried. Think of the shepherds arriving with their sheep and lambs, the wise men and their gifts, gifts which allude to the Kingship of Jesus. All of those people gather together around the crib, as we will in church this Christmas, in awe and wonder, as we think of the greatest gift that has ever been given to us. I wish you all a wonder filled Christmas, a time of joy, of peace and of love. With every blessing. Reverend Al.
On Saturday 9th September Lincolnshire Churches Trust held their annual Ride & Stride event and St Andrew's Church Cranwell were represented by three members of our community, Jim Clarke, and Paul and Zoe Cox. They visited 35 churches involving a combined distance of some 120 miles, a tremendous achievement.A sponsorship appeal raised £400 towards maintaining these old buildings. Many thanks go to the cyclists and to all who gave their support for the occasion.
