I wonder if you have an Advent calendar on the go? My family love them. There’s a little something to look forward to each day – whether that be a sweet treat, a figure to add to the nativity set, or the next part of the nativity story. And there’s a sense of anticipation – Christmas is coming !

I wonder what you are looking forward to most about Christmas? Is it time off work, time with family and friends, mulled wine and mince pies, presents, carols, or something else? Of course, there may be aspects of Christmas you’re not looking forward to. And for some, it can be a time which is stressful, exhausting, cold, lonely, or sad.

But at the heart of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. This is who we sing about in our carols. This is God’s gift of love to the world, echoed in our gifts to one another. This is the one who came to reveal God’s love, to forgive sin, to heal and restore, even to overcome death. This is what we will be celebrating at St NIcholas Church and all are welcome to join in.

And, whatever our circumstances, Matthew’s gospel reminds us that Jesus was no less than “God with Us", the God who is with us through all the ups and downs of life and even beyond the grave. My prayer is that you will know God’s love for you and share it with others, this Christmas and always.

Revd Nick White