It is a real joy for me to be able to write this first article for this magazine. Annmarie and I have been settling in well here at Govilon; many thanks to all of you for making us so welcome.
It is exciting to be able to think ahead to all that God is going to do amongst us in the coming weeks, months and years. It is encouraging that so many of you are actively engaged in church life, contributing in so many different ways. I firmly believe that God’s work is not simply about what the Minister does, but it is the whole body of Christ working together for him. I am deeply appreciative of all that you do.
I will be writing more about that in the months to come. But it cannot have escaped your notice that we are coming up to that time of year again – Christmas. Now I must be honest, I really love this season, the carols and songs, the decorations, presents, food and the opportunity to spend time with family.
At this time, we celebrate the coming into the world of the Lord Jesus Christ, born in very humble circumstances, being placed in a feeding trough for animals. And yet he is God himself come in human form. We looked at this verse a few weeks ago:
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1 v 14)
I like the Message paraphrase which puts it like this:
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighbourhood.
We know what that is like – we have been delighted to be able to our new house in our new neighbourhood. We are living amongst other people; we are surrounded by houses. When Jesus came into the world, he spent his life with people, he lived where they lived; he spent time with them. And it is important for us to follow his example as we meet people from day to day and show them something of his love.
But Jesus did not only come so that he could live among people. What happened at the end of his life is vitally important. As God come in human form, he was perfect, he never did anything wrong. And yet, he was put to death on a cross. And it was as he died there that, by taking all the wrong things we have done he made a way for us to know God. And he did not stay dead. Three days later he came back to life, which means that we can know life for evermore.
And that is our message. This is what we want other people to know for themselves. So, let’s enjoy our Christmas Services together; details are in this Newsletter. There is also an opportunity for you to choose your favourite Carol – we will be singing the top 9 favourites at the Carols by Candlelight service.
Let me quote a verse from one of my favourite carols, this was written by Charles Wesley:
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold Him come,
offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hail, the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as Man with us to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
A very Happy Christmas to you all.
Love in Jesus, Richard
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