Christmas is here again! But we might be thinking, “Who can afford another Christmas?”. Presents and food, events to enjoy. And sometimes credit card bills getting higher and higher. I mean, the telly is always telling us that Christmas is best if we splash the cash! Is that true?
The first Christmas happened in a small village in distant enclave of the Roman Empire. A place that had history but not much to speak of itself when the first Christmas happened. Somewhere living on its past glory. A couple make their way there on a donkey of all things. Imagine that poor woman, the baby almost due – a donkey!!! They find a space to sleep in someone’s spare room, where animals were usually kept.
No presents except the cry of a new born baby. No food except what the relatives and neighbours could share. Shepherds banging at the door late at night. The sky riven with lights, strange songs like the angels singing and a star bright up in the midnight sky. A saviour born for us all.
This Christmas we look forward at High St to celebrating Christmas! We will have time to celebrate lots of good times with different members of the congregation – lunches together, the Christmas Fair, special services with Carols and laughter:
- 7th Dec 2.30pm – Messy Christmas – live animals, crafts, worship, St Mark’s Methodist Church
- 21st Dec 10.30am – Scratch Nativity Service
- 21st Dec 6.00pm – Gathered – A Carol Service for all
- 24th Dec 11.30pm – Midnight Communion Service, St Mark’s Methodist Church
- 25th Dec 10.30am – Christmas Day Celebration at High St and St Marks Methodist Churches
You’re welcome at each and every one. It’s free. There may be food. There will certainly be a warm welcome.
Christmas is a time to connect – with the past with the present, with friends and family, with each other. Come and join us and make the party even more special.
Season’s Greetings to you all,
Pete Phillips
(minister at High St Methodist Church)