Christmas 2012 at All Saints


Dear Friends
G.K Chesterton describes the age old quest for meaning in Christmas very aptly: “The wise man will follow a star, low and large and fierce in the heavens, but the nearer he comes to it the smaller and smaller it will grow, till he finds it the humble lantern over some little inn or stable. Not till we know the high things shall we know how lovely they are.”
For us, the run up to Christmas 2012 has been a time of rediscovering the loveliness of God's grace reflected in the stable lantern. In one sense, our participation in the winter night shelter has been a greater gift to us than our guests. All involved spoke of the tremendous rewards of serving and caring in a way that makes a real difference, reflecting the compassion and practicality of Jesus. My sincere thanks to Jill Scott who spent hours co-ordinating our shelter evenings and all who helped out so generously.
Our Advent worship has also encouraged us to be grounded in the grace of simplicity. We decided to mark this season far more intentionally, reflecting on our mortality and thirst for God whilst turning to the East in excited expectation of the Christ child.
In the Christmas worship at All Saints we will joyfully celebrate Christ's coming. Nonetheless, it will not be far from our minds that we have journeyed to find an awkward and unsuitable stable in which salvation has been revealed in flesh and blood. And just like the wise men and shepherds, we will be beckoned to enter into the welcoming radiance of the nativity and there bow down before the King.
May this season be filled for you with the wonder of Christ.
Justin
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