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21st December 2020
Dear Friends,
This Christmas is likely to be different for many, maybe most of us. Instead of unrestricted movement and lots of comings and goings, we will be confined to our bubbles, seeing fewer people than we would normally anticipate. Instead of getting away, some of us will be confined to home and for others who might ordinarily get home it will not be possible to see family and loved ones. This will present fresh challenges and may make us feel sad and lonely.
Without minimising these stresses, please know ‘Jesus understands’.
Mary and Joseph had to leave their home in Nazareth in order to travel all the way to Bethlehem in most uncomfortable circumstances.
The Shepherds had no home as they lived out in the fields.
The Wise Men left their home in Persia in order to travel to Jerusalem and
Jesus gave up the comforts of his home in Heaven with the Father and the Holy Spirit
in order to share humanity with us in all our sadness, brokenness and fragility by being born a baby in a stable.
As we are confined to our homes and it is difficult to meet with family and friends,
Jesus is Immanuel ‘God with us’. The one who has made his home among us grants his children the comfort of his abiding presence.
If this Christmas it is difficult to meet with family and friends, remember it is still possible to meet with your church family in person or via Live Stream and don’t hesitate to phone me at any time.
This comes to you with warmest best good wishes for a truly Happy Christmas from Frank