His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Lots of you will know those words from Handel’s Messiah but it seems to me this year that all the Jesus is, is more important than ever for the world.

Wouldn’t it be perfect if the leaders of the nations had some wise and wonderful counsel to rely on as they make decisions which affect the lives of millions? Maybe they should listen to Jesus.

What a world we could bring into being if we worshipped the Mighty God, rather than the false gods of money and power and possessions.

A parent who truly loves us, values, us, recognizes our individual worth, and treats us as his beloved children – millions of people long to be valued in that way. God IS our Father and we ARE his adopted sons and daughters.

Peace would be the gift that many people would choose; peace in their land, and an end to warfare and strife; peace in their communities and an end to haves and have-nots, to black and white, to in group and outsiders; peace in their families and the healing of broken relationships; peace in their own hearts as they face today, tomorrow and the future with certainty that there is meaning and purpose, and eventually eternal life.

Christmas remains very special and important to our nation, not only because we all enjoy a mid-winter festival and some parties, but because behind the tinsel and the turkey lie some very important truths. I believe that many people, at this time of the year, think hard about what really matters in their lives. The Church enjoys celebrating along with people of great faith, and little faith, and not much faith at all; our doors are always open for you.

And if in 2019 you would like to think and learn a little more about the Christian Faith then look out for details of study and discussion groups in the spring and throughout the rest of the year.

Merry Christmas to you ALL