For as long as I can remember, I've lost myself in the Christmas Narratives through Advent, and I'm always thankful for the "old and new things" that the Lord shows me. Perhaps due to a very busy season in my own life, I was struck by the following words from Luke 2:19...

  "...but Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

The arrival of the Shepherds was yet another confirmation to Mary & Joseph that this baby was the fulfillment of all that had been spoken to them - he was indeed "the Son of God", "The Saviour-Messiah", "The Lord", "Immanuel: God with us" - WOW!!!

While "Christ in us" is not exactly the same as Mary's reality, it is still a "WOW" reality. Our 'new birth' in Him is a precious gift, this life in Christ is to be cherished and deepened, and so let's give time and space, like Mary, to "treasure and ponder" the things of Christ amidst what is often the busiest of times. It will bless and fill your heart!

And why not join us as we do this together. Let me remind you of our services for this Christmas Weekend...

Our Christmas Eve 'Carols By Candlelight' Service is at 6pm on Saturday as we walk through the Christmas story and worship Christ the newborn King! We will be uplifting an offering to split between Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (Beirut Crisis) and Compassion UK (Ethiopia Crisis). 

Then on Christmas morning, we'll gather for a Christmas Family Service at the usual time of 10.30am - join us as we worship and celebrate Jesus' birth together. 

We hope to see you at some point, and pray that you will sense the love, peace and hope of Christ this Christmas. 

Joy to the World!

Ian