As we enter into December and the season of Advent there is always a risk that we overlook this time as we race towards Christmas. Throughout advent in our services we light a candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas as we think about the themes of hope, joy, love and peace. 

And each Sunday, as a further candle is lit, the light becomes brighter as we head towards Christmas Day. The season of advent invites us all to reflect on what it means to look for signs of the Kingdom of God and be people of hope, joy, love and peace.

I wonder what this looks like for you this year – at this point in your life? I hope and pray that for all of us we will take the time the think and pray about this for ourselves.

December is also a busy time in the life of the church here in Old Felixstowe Parish. We have the joy of welcoming many people to our churches who may not always regularly attend, our carol services and crib service sees us welcome many people who come to sing and hear the Good News of Christmas. Children from our local primary schools will use our church to tell the story of Christmas to their parents and carers, as well as exploring what this means together.

Thank you to all who are happy to be a part of this amazing ministry and for all who pray that these opportunities may allow us to show something of God’s love.

Thank you to all who make our churches welcoming spaces. This includes all who help clean, decorate and those who welcome at our services and events. As folk walk into the buildings I pray they would be aware of the warmth and love we seek to share.

Please do continue to pray for the ministry of the church in our community. Pray for those in positions of leadership that in this busy time we would all keep our eyes focused on Jesus before and above all things.

I will be praying for you.

Chris