Christmas Message

Dear All,

As we prepare for celebrating Christmas, we have so many thoughts on our minds. We want our loved ones to be safe and happy, we want to get them the right present which will express our love for them but also be something they want. There is so much that needs to be done in preparation for the big day and also the festivities leading up to the actual day itself. God chose the perfect time and the perfect gift for us when he sent his Son, Jesus. Jesus’ birth was heralded by the angels who proclaimed ‘Peace on earth’. Jesus brought delight to Mary and Joseph, and continues to bring joy to us today, but most of all Jesus’ life was an expression of love.

In a world where there was violence, hatred and greed, Jesus was born. The God who loves us didn’t make it easy for his Son to be born on earth. Jesus was born in a stable, he was born into poverty. He grew up in a country that was ruled by the hated Romans. And he suffered prejudice because of where he came from and his upbringing. The religious rulers of his day would not accept him and eventually handed him over to the Romans to be crucified, which meant he died an agonizing death. And yet Jesus rose above everyone of these setbacks to express his Father’s love, joy and peace.

God wants to give us the gift of his love this Christmas. He wants us to know that we are loved and valued by him, as we are. Love can transform so many situations if we allow it to. When a mother is tending to her baby, she has so much patience and tender care, she knows she holds in her arms a fragile human life and she will do all she can to protect her child and do everything she can for the child’s wellbeing. And God is the same with each one of us. He cares for us and wants the very best for us. And so, in all kinds of ways he tries to express that love to us, through family and friends, neighbours and strangers. Receive God’s wonderful gift for you today, and let him transform your life with his love.

God Bless you all Peter Bates