December brings us to Advent, that season of waiting. Not the sort of waiting we do in a q
ueue when we have somewhere else to be, and not the weary kind where we stand at the window muttering at the sky to either rain properly or give it a rest. Advent is different. It invites us to pause. To breathe. To give God a little room to work in us.
The truth is we are not built to run flat out all the time. When we slow down and spend time with God, even in small ways, something shifts. Peace grows. Hope steadies. It gives love a chance to settle deep in our bones. It is not about pretending life is perfect. It is about making space for God to meet us where we are. And that changes things. When people discover God for themselves, lives are reshaped, burdens lift, and energies return.
To help us journey through Advent, we will be gathering for our Advent Course. It replaces our Zoom evening prayer for three weeks, starting on Tuesday 2nd December at 7.30pm in the meeting room at Creech. It will be a simple time to reflect, to pray, to talk together and to sit with God. And maybe even have a giggle!
Then we come to Christmas. A time of light, warmth and gathering. A time to come together as one community. Church gives us room to breathe, to belong, to steady our hearts and to remember we are never on our own. There is something deeply good for our spirits and our wellbeing when we sing, laugh, pray and walk together.
There is plenty going on across our churches, with something for everyone as we worship, reflect, and enjoy time together. The much loved Nine Lessons and Carols. Community carols in the Ruishton Inn. Our crib and Christingle celebration, a wonderful mash up of story, wonder and oranges with candles. And the quiet beauty of Midnight Mass as we welcome Christmas in the most sacred way. (By popular demand, this year we return to an 11:30pm start so that we may share Holy Communion as midnight arrives...).
We also know Christmas is not easy for everyone. Some memories weigh heavy. Some hearts ache. So, this year we are offering a Blue Christmas service. It is a gentler, reflective space for those who might find all the tinsel and cheer a little much. No need to put on a brave face. Just space to rest, breathe and be held in peace.
As the year turns and a new one begins, may we carry hope, kindness and patience into whatever comes next. May we wait well, love deeply and remember that God is with us, here in our communities, in our homes and in the ordinary moments where life really happens.
And last but in no way least. To all who gave so generously at our Gift Day at St Michael’s, especially towards the new sound system, thank you. Your support means we can get on with the work, and it will make a real difference to our worship and to everyone who walks through those doors. I am truly grateful.
Donna Marie and I, along with everyone in our churches, wish you a peaceful Christmas and an amazing year ahead.
With all blessings
Lee