Christmas

"For 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] So, we have reached the 4th advent Sunday and the candle that symbolises love: the Angels candle. At its heart, the story of Christmas, is a story about love; God’s immeasurable, sacrificial, world-changing love for us. The beauty of this love is how it doesn’t come to us in grandeur or from a distance. Instead, it arrives in the mo

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." - 1 Peter 1:8 Perhaps, because of all the preparation and commercialism around Christmas, we have become tired, or even cynical about it. It's hard to feel joyful when we have a million and one things to do, and very little time to get it all done! If you ask most people to define joy, they will use words like happines

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." [John 14:27] As we move through the advent season one of the most profound gifts we are invited to reflect on is peace. Yet, if we are honest, Christmas often feels like anything but peaceful. As the song sung by Andy Williams says, "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year." It's a busy season of shopping, writing Christm

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." [ Romans 15:13] At this time of year, in every store, coffee shop and restaurant, we are confronted with Christmas songs telling us to "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" or "Tis the season to be jolly." TV advertisements depict families gathered around a groaning table full of food, or a twinkling tree stuffed with presents. Chur