Over the past few weeks I have had the pleasure and the privilege of watching some wonderful nativity plays in our primary schools. The enthusiasm and talent of the pupils is matched only by the dedication of the teachers and the pride of their parents. 

I have left the performances with new songs going through my head and familiar ones revisited with the message of Christmas being reinforced. Now there are some parts of the plays that may not have been found in the Biblical accounts, and there may have been some creative licence, but the good news that God came to be among us as a baby was there to be heard and seen – the birth of Jesus was at the heart of all of the accounts...

Food, family and fun are great at Christmas but God with us, Immanuel, is the real message of Christmas. This is the message we as a church have explored throughout the build up to Christmas and we will continue to investigate. What does it mean to know that God is with us? How do we respond to that wonderful news?

And this exploration and wonder is not simply for Christmas – we will continue to respond to God with us as we head into the new year and beyond. You are welcome to join us on our journey of faith, seeking to live out what that means.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and may you know Christ’s presence with you now and always. 

Chris