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Here is the link to our December 2020 church magazine. It’s a bumper edition as it contains details for January 2021 too.

You’ll find plenty of prayers and reflections, plus Christmas greetings from our church family and updates from some of our groups.

Our December 2020 church magazine also contains a message from our Vicar, Dave Thompson…

We will be celebrating Christmas!

Dear Friends – for lots of reasons 2020 is not a year that will be looked back on with great fondness. The ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic have taken their toll on all aspects of society and even the fundamental right to worship has been affected this year. Despite the encouraging news of successful vaccine trials, no one knows how far the impact of Covid-19 will extend into 2021.

As I write, we are in the midst of the second lockdown. There is no guarantee that the situation will be eased by the beginning of December. By the time this magazine is available, I hope we will have some positive news. 

However, whatever happens for the rest of the year – and despite the warnings in the media – one thing is clear:  WE WILL BE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS! 

The days will be different. Social distancing and the other such measures will doubtless mean many changes. Yet fundamentally Christmas is at heart the festival of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ – the divine Son of God.  Nothing, not even a world-wide pandemic can stop that.

Not about the turkey

Christmas is not about turkey or tinsel. It is not about presents or parties. It is not even about families, festivities and fun. All these may contribute towards a merry Christmas but, despite widespread assumptions, these are not essential for a proper celebration.

It is about remembering that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

This eternal truth remains at the centre of the Christian portrayal of the birth of God’s Son. The consequences of the pandemic may mean that this year the true meaning of December 25 will be more prominent. 

As the old saying goes, “Jesus is the reason for the season”.

As we enter Advent and prepare for the season of Christmas and then view the consequences of the Son of God’s arrival during the four weeks of Epiphany we give thanks for the light shining in the darkness. 

In these metaphorical and literal dark days, the birth of a special baby 2000 years ago, offers hope of better times.

May the peace of the Christ-child bring you joy this Christmas time – and may I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year. 

With every blessing,  Dave 

For the November 2020 magazine please follow this link.