Dear Friends and Parishioners,
The festive season is upon us once again, and like so many I find the time of expectation almost as exciting as the event itself. There is something magical about seeing the lights go up in towns and villages, the warm glow from the Christmas trees in people’s homes.
It is a time of excitement as people plan to come together to share in food and celebration.
It also means that it is the time of year when
stressed parents have to deal with that naughty elf on the shelf who
seems to find ever more creative ways to brighten each day, thank
goodness for the many on-line suggestions I say, but do feel free to
give him a lesson in kindness by bringing him to the breakfast
Christingle on 1st December!
So just like everyone else, the preparation for Christmas begins in the Church too, as we begin the season of Advent and give ourselves time to pause and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ as a baby.
We all know the story so well, but this year, lets pause again and remember that not far from Jesus’ birthplace there are still many displaced and homeless people.
In the land of Christ's birth we pray that there will be peace on earth this year, and that it will be a peace that embraces all and finds ways to move forward.
We also prepare ourselves as individuals and as communities to welcome the Saviour of the World once more, a reminder that Christ is with us and that no matter how dark the world becomes his light is always enough.
We hope that you will find the time over the festive period to join us in Church, to sing carols and share in the celebrations of Christs birth, because the joy of his birth is that it is the first step in the journey to the worlds salvation, Jesus came into the world to save everyone and his gift is free.
Nothing makes Christmas more special than sharing it with those that are family, and so the family in Ightham and Wrotham look forward to sharing with you and continuing to serve you this festive time.
We pray Gods blessing on you and those you love at
Christmas and always.
Michelle Lawson
Lay Reader