Dear friends,
‘I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah.’ These are the words announcing to the shepherds the glad tidings of great joy of the birth of Jesus. As you know, we have had a sheep theme running through our Christmas preparations. Sheep have been knitted and sewn to give to reception children together with an invite to our Crib service, However, you can experience sheep throughout Advent on-line. Meet George the joker, Sally the singing sheep and various other characters. There will also be sheep stories, poems and of course, the Christmas story by the crib, surrounded by sheep.
Those words, which the angels gave to the shepherds, are not confined to that day long ago but are words for us today, spoken to you, me, to everyone – ‘good news of great joy for all people.’ That is the wonder of Christmas, the one thing behind all the trivia with which surround this festival that gives it meaning. The dawn of God’s kingdom through the birth of his Son, the coming of the word made flesh, his sharing our humanity so that we may share his eternity. Come and hear again the familiar story. For to YOU has been born in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
May the joy of the angels,
The eagerness of the shepherds,
The perseverance of the wise men,
The obedience of Mary and Joseph,
And the peace of the Christ Child be yours this Christmas.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
Be you and those you love,
Now and always. Amen
Wishing you all a happy, holy and peace filled Christmas.
Deborah X
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 