Harpley, My Life is my Message." Mahatma Gandhi
Revd Sue Martin
December 2024
Dear Friends,
It all began in Bethlehem!
Christmas is coming, a time full of great joy and wonder. When the Christmas lights twinkle in our streets and houses, lifting our spirits. It’s a time to share with friends and families, spending time together, bringing and receiving gifts.
The Christmas story is as wonderful today as ever it was.
Jesus, the Son of God, born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem.
I’ve been to Bethlehem twice,
It’s such a special place and very evocative of that time over 2000 years ago. It would have been buzzing with people coming to be registered, families getting together and travellers stopping to rest before journeying on. It is very close to
Jerusalem but today there are borders and checkpoints which mark the boundaries and it’s not always easy to get through.
A favourite carol of mine is…
O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see these lie.
Above the deep and dreamless sleep, the silent Stars go by.
Yet in the dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in the tonight.
There are so many carols, old and new which tell the story of that special night over 2000 years ago.
In each of our ten churches we have a Carol Service before Christmas. It’s a wonderful time to come to church, join in the singing and hear the Christmas story.
We have lots going on in December, from Christmas Tree Festivals to school Nativity plays and Christingles. It’s all in the magazines and on our website www. ggmbenefice.co.uk
The best place to read about the Christmas Story is in the Bible, try Luke, Chapter2, when the shepherds were on the hillside and the Angel Gabriel told them to go the stable where they would find a baby born to Mary.
Let’s remember those who find it hard to celebrate, loneliness and hardship make it a tough time.
It doesn’t all have to be about spending money
Christmas is also about being together, round the Christmas tree, not forgetting Father Christmas of course!!
So, however you spend your Christmas you can always find a space for the time to welcome Jesus into the world as a baby born in a stable in Bethlehem.
God Bless and have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Rev’d Sue Martin