The opening words of John's gospel indicate that God wanted to change the world but not from a distance so he decided to get up close and personal through his Son, Jesus Christ. He spells it out in verse 14. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. God comes to earth in the form of the Christ child. In time that child gave us a message saying: “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly."What do these words mean to us in the here and now? I guess from an advertising point of view if one were to skew the message it might make a good slogan for selling the latest must-have computer game, Mac book or mobile phone. For some these things are their life, for they cannot seem to live without these accessories and they have them in abundance. We'd be kidding ourselves, would we not, if we said that we too were not to a greater or lesser degree pulled into the commercial side of Christmas. But are we too, to be counted with those who strive for more than they need and can afford? Or do John’s words of Christ bringing us life in abundance have a deeper meaning for us. I hope so, because surely the gift of God in Jesus is so much more than anything man-made.Let us treasure the gift from God that we have been given this Christmas. The word made flesh in the Christ child. Let us not consign Jesus to a dusty old bookshelf to be left within the pages of scripture only to brought out once a year like the Christmas decorations. God isn’t just for Christmas, He’s for life.
Something wonderful is about to happen. The Saviour of the world is going to be born. But the grumpy owl who lives in the barn just wants to be left alone... Be the first to watch this beautiful animated version of The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas, the bestselling book from Church House Publishing at the heart of this year’s Advent and Christmas theme – and find out whether the animals in this story help our owl to discover the Joy of Christmas.
This Sunday at 10am we’ll be staging our popular Carol Service - with a difference.This year our rector, Father Shane Griffiths, has invited representatives of Dunsfold village clubs and institutions and be key parts of our Christmas countdown.It promises to be a wonderful morning with our service, which will feature the carols you know and love, starting at 10am. And afterwards refreshments will be served so you can stay behind for a chat with old friends and new.
Our Christmas elves have been working away to create some beautiful gifts that will be on sale at Saturday’s village Christmas Fair. (December 5th)The event will be taking place for the second year in the Winn Hall and given the weather forecast for the weekend that may prove an inspired choice.All the familiar goodies will be on sale at our ever-popular Pop-Up stall. Please come along, support our stall and see what unique Christmas gifts you can buy.
