Dear friends,
I hope you have managed to join with us online (or by phone) at our services week by week.
I wonder if you were struck (as I was) by one particular carol at our Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday 20th December (still available to watch on our website!)
Judith sang a solo of the first verse of ‘O Holy Night’, a particularly beautiful carol that is a favourite of so many people.
O holy night! the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope–the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night, O night divine!
One line stood out to me.
A thrill of hope – the weary world rejoices.
Do you feel weary?
This has been a trying year for so many of us, and not surprisingly many may feel weary … Yet into this ‘weary world’ we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour as he brings hope and joy for all. Let us rejoice!
We may find ourselves in strange days, but let us never forget to thank God for the gift of Jesus, Emmanuel, the Word made flesh. We celebrate his coming to earth as a baby, bringing life and hope to us all. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What better Christmas gift could we receive?
This Christmas, different as it may be, we pray for peace and joy in our homes and our community. May we all experience ‘a thrill of hope’ as we rejoice and give thanks for God’s gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love sent to us on that first Christmas.
I pray that you, and those you love, have a safe, happy and blessed Christmas.
Thinking of you all, stay safe and well.
Happy CHRISTmas!
With love,
Emma x