Sunday 28 December: Christmas

Following Advent, the season of Christmas lasts for twelve days - culminating in the Feast of Epiphany on 6th January, when we recall how Jesus was first revealed to the wider world in the visit of the Magi (or Wise Men).

We remind ourselves that celebrating the Christian season of Christmas extends beyond the start of the Boxing Day Sales.

Keep the spirit of Christmas alive by reflecting upon the joy and generosity that Christmas brings and pray that we remain true to these values in our daily lives.

Hear the words of the angel to Joseph:
'You shall call his name Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.'
Therefore, let us seek the forgiveness of God
through Jesus the Saviour of the world.

Reading and Gospel

Our reading this week is from Jeremiah 31:15-17. These verses are on page 762 in the Old Testament of our pew bibles.

Ramah, a town located a few miles north of Jerusalem, was historically a staging area where captives were gathered before being deported and exiled. Rachel, one of the matriarchs of Israel, represents the mother of the nation.

Her weeping symbolises the collective mourning of the nation, as they faced the loss of their land, their freedom, and even their identity as God's covenant people. Her refusal to be comforted shows the overwhelming nature of this grief.

But, in the same verses, God also offers a promise of hope and renewal.

The Gospel reading, from Matthew 2:13-18, is on page 2 of the New Testament in our pew bibles.

Matthew draws a parallel between the sorrow of exile and the grief of Bethlehem's mothers. Just as Rachel mourned for the children of Israel during the exile, so too did the mothers in Bethlehem mourn for their children lost to Herod's cruelty.

The ultimate fulfilment of Jeremiah's promise of restoration is found in Jesus Christ. While the exile and Herod's massacre brought sorrow, they also paved the way for the coming of the Saviour. In Christ, God brings ultimate restoration, turning mourning into joy. In both cases, the grief is profound, yet it is not the final word.

Notices

Sunday 28 December 9.30am Morning Communion Service

Sunday 4 January 8.00am Early Morning Communion – Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 4 January 9.30am Morning Communion Service

Sunday 11 January 9.30am Morning Communion Service

Sunday 18 January 9.30am Morning Communion Service

Thank you for reading this week's Pew News.