Horror movie right there on my TVHorror movie and it's blown a fuseHorror movie, it's the six-thirty newsHorror movie, it's the six-thirty newsShockin' me right outa my brain
I reckon the 24/7 news cycle in 2024 is even more shockin'. So many, never-ending challenges facing our old world, and anxiety levels are at an all time high for so many people!
And yet, the Christmas story is a story of great joy in the midst of chaos, disruption, despair and upheaval. Born in a cow-shed during a time of political and religious turmoil, the birth of Jesus is met with songs of joy by those who were thirsting for peace, the Shalom of God.
The angels powerfully proclaim: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those who he favours." (Luke 2:14)
The disruptive message of Christmas comes to give hope and courage; and Mary responds with a defiant affirmation of joy: "My soul magnifies the Lord and my Sprit rejoices in God my saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant!" (Luke 1:46-47)
Go and read again the story of Christmas, and allow the words to settle deep into your heart, challenging, strengthening and renewing you, drawing you closer to our foundational story -- that into this messy and uncertain world -- God entered in the form of a vulnerable child and lived amongst us. John puts it: "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood." (John 1:14 MSG)
May you have great joy and a deep sense of peace as you ponder the Christmas story!
Come and join us for our last Haven gathering of the year. We're going to have a Christmas meal together! 4.30pm Sunday 8th December 2024.
Come and join us for our last Haven gathering of the year. We're going to have a Christmas meal together! 4.30pm Sunday 8th December 2024.
If you are able to join us can you send me an SMS?
