Dear Friends,

We are once again coming to the end of the year and the beginning of the church year as we think about Advent and the run up to Christmas. With this comes the pressures that we associate with the festive period. However it shouldn’t be like this.

As we start Advent we should be thinking about how we can prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ child and as we think about the many carols that we will sing over the festive period they often speak of gentleness and calm. Weather phenomenon across the world is anything but gentle and calm. Jamaica, Philippines and Vietnam are still clearing up after devastating storms.

As we move into Advent and the run up to Christmas. We are reminded, in the coming of Jesus to a young girl in an occupied country, that the greatest gifts we receive are not the ones that cost the most, but the time spent with family and loved ones. However for some people, who have lost loved ones this can be the hardest time of the year. This Christmas will be one where a lot of families across the pastorate are having a different Christmas than they have had before. They may not feel like celebrating. Please be assured that you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

As we travel through the season of Advent with the 4 key themes of hope, peace, joy and love; I hope these themes can help us to focus on the reason for the season. Focusing on Jesus the true Light of the World who can and does bring hope, peace, joy and love to those who seek him out.

We all want to do our best for our families and loved ones especially at Christmas. One of the ways we could help out grandchildren and great grandchildren is thinking about the carbon footprint of the purchases we make. As part of the Eco church award we are all encouraged to think about this aspect of our lives and the impact we are having on our world.

Once Christmas is over, the decorations are away and we think about what hopes and dreams we have for 2026. I hope and pray that the hope, peace , joy and love of Advent and Christmas will continue to dwell in your homes, your hearts and your minds.

Merry Christmas, Mark and Gill.