As Joseph and Mary did!

Our civil world is demanding much of us as Joseph and Mary’s world did of them. As Herod demanded a reckoning of the people, we have also just been through a reckoning.

This year as we journey through Advent may we, who know the truth in Christ, God’s mystery hidden for all ages, revealed in Jesus, live as Mary and Joseph did with:

• Love As we continue to surrender our lives to our God - becoming servants of our Saviour.
• Joy Filled with awe and thanksgiving for the relationships we share with Angels, family, Jesus, the poor and rich, locals and strangers alike.
• Hope Experiencing God’s presence and promises in prayer, worship and life.
• Peace Being faithful and courageous, trusting in the Lord above all else and in all things.
• Immanuel Knowing when to hold fast to the traditions of our faith through the Word and when to trust in God when God’s actions break into our world to do a new thing! Praying as Mary did “I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!” ^{Luke 1:38}

May we, who have lived with the story of Christmas all our lives, be recaptured by God’s desire to break into our lives and world.

May we know the Son of God who came to be with us, know us and show us how to live as witnesses and participants to God’s actions in our lives and our world.

May you meet again the Christ Child as you gather this Christmas, bringing yourselves and your gifts to his manger.

May we all bow the knee and proclaim “our Lord and our Saviour; Not my will but yours be done!”

Merry Christmas and may we have a Happy New Year!

Scott Combridge CEO (interim)