Christmas Message from Rev. Joy Ventom

Dear Friends,

Looking back over the year, I am feeling encouraged that most of us have found ways of living a more normal way of life than we were able to twelve months ago.

I continue to pray for those whose lives have changed permanently due to COVID, and also for those among us who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

I give thanks that we can now socialise more, worship together again, and resume many activities, even though we must still take care of ourselves, and those around us.

I pray for us all, that in 2022 life will continue to feel more positive.

"Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign".

This is one of my favourite Christmas Carol verses.
It tells us that the essence of Christmas is Love, God's Love, brought to us through the birth of a baby, His son, Jesus, who was both human and divine.
Jesus was born into an untraditional family, to parents who were unmarried, and very soon became refugees to Egypt to escape King Herod and the prospect of death. Yet, as Jesus grew into adulthood, He became revolutionary, and showed us all what it means to love.

I wonder how easy it is to love ourselves, love God and love others?

May this Christmas for us be about God's Love, rather than the trimmings.

Wishing you all peace, love and joy throughout this Christmas time and throughout the coming year.

Rev Joy