We are now firmly moving towards Advent and the stories we hear about Jesus help us both to look forward to his coming at Christmas, but also to look forward to his second coming and the great gathering up of humanity at the end of all time.

But we are also keeping today as Safeguarding Sunday, when members of the Church of England come together to reflect on, and to take action, to build safer communities. Last year, over 5,400 churches took part — demonstrating a shared commitment to caring for and protecting those in our care.

This year, the theme of Safeguarding Sunday is 'Love Protects', based on the well-known passage in 1 Corinthians 13. In its simplest terms, safeguarding is the protection of those in our care. In 1 Corinthians 13, we’re told that love always protects. Safeguarding isn’t an external pressure or ‘thing to do’, it’s an act of love. And love is central to our faith.

When you love someone, protecting them isn't a duty — it's instinctive. Think about a parent with their child, or how you'd naturally shield a friend from harm. You don't need a policy to tell you to keep them safe. You just do it, because that's what love does.

Come to church today and understand how this impacts as as a church, as Chrsitians and as human beings. Find more information about Safeguarding Sunday here: https://safeguardingsunday.org/about/