In January we move from the season of Christmas to Epiphany, from celebrating the birth of Jesus as “God with us”, to sharing the good news of Jesus with the world. Our Christmas day bible readings described the angels announcing to some Jewish shepherds that Christ had come and that the baby Jesus in a manger was the sign. Our Epiphany reading from Matthew’s gospel chapter 2 will tell us of the the wise men from the east who see an unusual star and concluding that it is a sign of the birth of an important new king. Both shepehrds and wise men journeyed to find Jesus and ended up in worship. God is always inviting us on a journey. It’s a journey to come, to receive God’s love through Jesus Christ, and to respond in worship. It’s also a journey to go, to follow Jesus in our everyday lives, to share God’s love with others and invite them to follow Jesus. It’s a journey which changes us and the world in which we live. Have a look at the Everyday Faith page for some personal stories and ideas to help you move on in your journey of faith. If you are new or returning to Christian faith, the START course aym be a helpful next step in your journey of faith. For more details, get in touch with me on revnickwhite@gmail.com In 2023 I pray that we will each move on in our journey of faith and that we will shine brightly with the light and love of Jesus Christ, so that more people worship and follow him. Revd Nick White
There’s a line from the Christmas carol Away in a Manger - “the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes”. It sounds idyllic but it is of course the product of somebody’s imagination! It presents an unrealistic picture of the baby Jesus. Cying is a baby’s prime way of communicating that they need something - whether a feed, a cuddle, a nappy change or something else. Christians believe Jesus was divine, but we also believe he was human - God born into this world as a human baby, growing into a child and an adult. God the creator entrusted himself to the care of those who he had created. God the creator chose to accept the limitations of the human body. God the creator experienced the joys and sorrows of human life. It's mind boggling! Why would God do such a thing? The birth of Jesus shows that God wants to be with us. Matthew’s gospel speaks of the birth of Jesus as Immanuel (which means “God with us”). God knows what its like to be human, God has revealed himself in a way we can relate to, and God wants to be n relationship with us. The birth of Jesus shows that God does not leave us in the dark. John's gospel speaks of Jesus as the light of the world. The life of Jesus here on earth revealed the holy love of God and teaches us what it means to love God and love our neighbour. The birth of Jesus shows that God does not leave us without help or hope. In Luke's gospel, the angels' message to the shepherds was that a Saviour had been born. And in the gospel accounts of Jesus life, death and resurrection, we see this power to save from sin and evil, from sickness and death. This Christmas may you know God with you through Jesus Christ.p.s. If you want some help to reflect more on the birth of Jesus and the events surrounding it, why not try the Church of England's free app - Follow the Star. For more details visit, https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/follow-star-great-invitation
Canterbury Community Gospel Choir performed a wonderful Christmas concert at St Nicholas Church on the 10th December. The church was packed, the music was uplifting and the refreshments were plentiful. Money raised from the concert was shared between the choir and the church. We would like to thank all those who took part.The choir meet at St Nicholas Church on Monday evenings during the school term and welcome new members.To find out more, please you can email CanterburyCommunityGospelChoir@gmail.com
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
