A Christmas message from the Reverend Paul Lawlor, vicar of St Stephen’s.
BACK in 2022, what did you hope Christmas 2023 would be like?
What did you wish for and how is that turning out?
If we hoped the economy would improve, that we would feel better off…unless you are very fortunate, then that wish did not come true.
If we hoped that the world would be a more peaceful place, then that is not happening just now. Economics, national and international politics and the environment all seem to be challenging.
If you want hope, if you are looking for someone or something to trust in, then we have a suggestion.
Rather than looking at the shiny ads we see in our newspapers, on our televisions, or our social media feeds, we call on you to look to the Christmas story.
Look past the ‘ooo-ahh’ of the baby Jesus in the manger surrounded by Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, donkeys, sheep and wise men.
Is this a story that is a beautiful myth or the true story of God coming to dwell with us….God coming to Earth as Jesus so that we can be in relationship with Him – Father Son and Holy Spirit?
For so many of us relationship is key, to love and be loved.
We pray that this Christmas you can press into that.
To know that you love and are loved by those around you but to also know that God loves you.
We pray you can have hope in that, a hope that does not fail, a hope that does not disappoint.
May you have Hope this Christmas
Season’s Blessings from Rev Paul Lawlor Vicar, St Stephen’s Church and Elaine Whitfield, Churchwarden.
