Advent and Christmas greetings, December 2020
 

Advent is a season when we wait with hopeful and faithful anticipation for the celebration of God coming to be with us.  In a normal year the season of Advent is a mad rush to get ready for Christmas.  This year, the pandemic is forcing us to experience Advent as we wait for Christmas. 

For the season of Advent we are releasing a number of resources to help our communities anticipate the light and hope, comfort and joy, and faith and love that Jesus brings to us at Christmas.

At Christmas there are only three words that matter: God with us.  Everything else is the result of those three words.  Christmas is a time when our communities normally gather together to celebrate.  We know that Christmas is going to be different this year, with our usual services likely to be forced online. 

We hope to know more by the time you read this, and we ask that as you enjoy the resources inthe pages that follow, please keep checking our web pages, social media and church noticeboards for the latest updates.

In the centre of the magazine you’ll find an advent wreath you can decorate yourself.  As we light the candles of the advent wreath each Sunday, the light builds each week until we light the fifth, central candle on Christmas Day in celebration of Jesus, the Light of the World.

May the light of Christ transform all our lives this Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you and all whom you love.
Yours in Christ
 
Revd Chris