This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 1 : 18 – 19

Readings this week Isaiah 7 : 10 - 16; Romans 1 : 1 - 7; Matthew 1 : 18 - end

Thought for the week

The waiting is nearly over. Christmas Day is looming large on the horizon. The next few days will be filled with last minute preparations before we finally breathe deeply. Whether we are ready or not Christmas will come!

However we are feeling about Christmas, whether we love it or dread it, whether we are ready or not, there is Good News, the best news. Joy has come into the world.

Jesus is born into a world where things are sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes easy, sometimes hard, sometimes straightforward, sometimes complex.

That Jesus is born into the reality of life with all its many facets is Good News.
Into the Mess of the world comes the Message of hope that has been there since the dawn of time. This is the Message of God's infinite love, grace peace and joy given to us in Jesus the Messiah - Emmanuel, God with us. This is deep joy for the whole world that goes beyond all that fades away. 

Happy Christmas!

 Rachel

Prayer for this week

God our redeemer, who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son, so we wait for his coming in glory; bring us through the birth pangs of this present age to see, with her, our great salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We praise the Lord and give thanks …

For the work of our Local Foodbank which has now closed, for all the time, energy and care poured in by Sarah – Jane Douglas and Gerry Munday, for all they have achieved over the past six years