This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21 : 24 - 25Bible reading : John 21 : 19b - endThought for this weekReflecting on the apostle and evangelist John’s ministry today is a reminder of who Jesus is. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the truth of God come amongst us, John reveals the whole of Jesus’ ministry in his Gospel and his relationship with Jesus.Our Gospel reading for today comes from the very end of John’s Gospel, reminding us of how the baby born in Bethlehem grew to be a man, who lived a fully human life as well as being divine, who showed His love in countless ways, and finally went to the Cross in the greatest act of self – giving ever for our salvation.Every part of Jesus’ life reveals the whole story, because He is the child born to us who is our Saviour, our Lord and our King. Every part of His life, from His birth to His death and to His Resurrection, reveals His love for us, and how His love is a sacrificial, life – giving love for the whole world. This is who Jesus is. The baby in the manger. The teacher and healer. The prophet and King. The one who died on the Cross and was raised from the dead. His love is for each of us. The love that has come down from heaven. The love that calls us to know Him and to believe. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekGrant, O Lord we prayThat the Word made fleshproclaimed by your apostle Johnmay, by the celebration of these holy mysteries,ever abide and live within us;through Jesus Christ our LordAmen.
The livestreams are continuing with the following services being made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 27th December 9:30 am Rev Paul and RachelWednesday 30th December 10.30am Rev Paul/Rev PhilWatch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyServices in church We received a message from the Bishop on Christmas Eve advising churches as we begin Tier 4. The church will be open each day for private prayer. Our priority is for safety as the infection rate continues to rise, and it is likely physical services will not be able to start again for some weeks. Our livestreams will continue.Paul and Rachel “We have now ended our period of isolation. We praise the Lord that we are well and have remained well. Thank you for your prayers for our family”. 12 Days of Christmas encouragement Bishop Graham has launched a series through social media with twelve local contributors from across the diocese offering a thought on ideas to offer support to those who are lonely, isolated or who need their spirits lifting, starting on Christmas Day. You are able to access them via all the diocesan social media channels; on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.An Appeal We have launched an appeal for the money needed for St Peter’s for investigation works into the structure of the building, and for the annual payment for the roof alarm. Any help is very much appreciated after this difficult year. Further details of the appeal is available at St Ed’s.
The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. Luke 1 : 35Bible reading : Luke 1 : 26 - 38Thought for this weekWe are so grateful to everyone who contributed to our nativity scene at the front of church, with the stable scene and the great star. It is a wonderful reminder of the miracle of God’s love that is the Nativity, and the coming of Jesus into our hurting world with healing and peace.Tomorrow (Monday 21<sup>st</sup>) there is to be a Great Conjunction in the sky of Saturn and Jupiter. It is a rare event that will create one big light in the sky. A Christmas star to end 2020. A reminder of the Lord’s Light and hope shining in the birth of Jesus.Things coming together, even in a time of chaos and difficult news. The birth of Jesus is the coming together of the faithful promises of the Lord with the brokenness of our human need. The coming together of our hopes and fears with the power and love of the Lord who speaks into our lives.As we remember the obedience and faithfulness of Mary, we remember how we are called to play our part in the unfolding story that is Jesus’ love in our world today. Mary who was so humble, yet carried the living Word into our world. As we witness to Jesus we are doing the same.Rev PaulPrayer for this weekEternal 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 salvationIn Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Welcome to this week’s prayer hub for the fourth week of Advent. As we light the fourth candle of our Advent wreath we are reminded of LOVE. As we get ever closer to Christmas Day we are getting close to the Christ candle. When we light the central candle on Friday we will rejoice because in Christ hope, peace, joy and love come together in the person of Jesus ~ Emmanuel, God with us.John in his first letter, says, ‘God is Love.’ The former Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins, once said, ‘God is. And he is as he is in Jesus.’ As we prepare to celebrate the wonder of God with us in Jesus, let’s remind ourselves of the incredible, unconditional, self-sacrificing, cross shaped love with which God has poured out in Jesus.Sunday: Today we remember Mary and her trust in her loving God. As we worship today we pray that we may grow in love and trust like her, and share Christ in the world.Monday: Tonight sees the conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn - the Christmas star which astronomers believe may be the star that led the Magi to Jesus. Take some time to pause and wonder at the enormity of God’s love for everyone that call us to worship and adore.Tuesday: Pray today for all those who feel unloved or unlovable and for all who feel alone.Wednesday: The outworking of love is seen in justice, compassion and grace. Pray for the leaders of the world that they may govern with God’s heart of love.Christmas Eve: Pray for our virtual Christingle service at 3.30pm today.Christmas Day: Joy to the world! The Lord has come. Let earth receive her King!Boxing Day: Christ is born, Christ is here, God is LOVE!!!!!!Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference
