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What? I have to write a Christmas letter already? But I'm not ready! How come Christmas has arrived so soon? |
Well let's face it, a lot has happened in the last couple of months. The planning for our final services, then for our celebration service for the new Parish, then getting to know a whole new group of people, and keeping the regular events going at the same time, have all been fairly exhausting for many of us. |
But tired as we may be are we worn down or discouraged by this effort? No! We're excited, energised, looking forward to the possibilities that the next year brings. |
Imagine the feelings of the disciples as they waited in the upper room after Jesus had left them. All the things they had experienced and depended on had changed. Jesus was no longer with them, but he had promised to send his Holy Spirit to lead them and empower them. Now they were waiting. We too are waiting to see what the Holy Spirit will lead us into in this new Parish of St Thomas'. We're not sure what it will be but we are confident that it will be good. |
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At this Christmas season we're reminded that that confidence is based on the God who sent his only Son into the world to be our Saviour; to be God with us; to share our human life and to redeem that life by his living of it. We long for the peace that God desires for all of his creation. We long for the restoration of that creation to the way it was meant to be and we're reminded again of our own part in God's plan to take the message of Jesus Christ to all people. |
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So let me encourage you as you meditate on the miracle of Christmas, of God coming to live with us, to recommit yourself to God's service. May the year to come bring you many opportunities to tell your friends and neighbours about the great love of God as you've experienced it in the fellowship of God's people here at St Thomas' Burwood |
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May your Christmas be a joyous, Christ-centred time and the New Year bring you many blessings from the Father of lights, the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). |
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Di and I wish you all a very happy Christmas, filled with God's blessing. May God fill you with all good things this Christmas, enabling you to serve him to the full in the year to come. |
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Chris & Di |
