THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
20th December 2025
Greetings,
Advent is sliding into Christmas and as this is the last mailing before the big day I take this opportunity to wish A very Merry Christmas to all who read this message. Yes, the nation is beset by various crises, war continues to rage in several places, and the causes for misery and gloom are manifold. But Christmas reminds us that hope does not reside in philosophy, policy, strategy or any other such endeavours. Hope was born in a stable and laid in a manger. It's a story that evokes tenderness in the hearts of believer and non-believer alike, but for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, it discloses a great mystery, the mystery of the Word made flesh. Our humanity was dignified beyond measure by God choosing to share it with us and as the divine light shone from the stable so it shines also from hearts where Christ finds a home. As the lights of Christmas shine from our churches and our homes, may the light in each of us dispel the world's gloom, shining with a hope and joy that can never be dispelled.
One of the hymns we have learnt in recent years begins, In a world where people walk in darkness let us turn our faces to the light. There are many ways of doing so but none more potent than coming together in worship and praise, reverence and awe. Our Christmas worship begins with Carols at All Saints' at 6pm this evening, and after tomorrow morning's services recollecting Joseph and Mary, there will be the traditional Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Mark's tomorrow evening (6pm). The choir have been working hard in preparation and we look forward to retelling the story of our redemption in word and music. On Christmas Eve at 3pm we assemble the Crib, that visualisation of the Christmas story established by St. Francis many centuries ago, and we light Christingles to herald the birth of our infant redeemer, the light of the world. The First Eucharist of Christmas (Nearly Midnight Mass) is at St. Mark's at 10pm and Holy Communion with Carols will be on Christmas morning at 9.30 at All Saints'.
Lastly, the Pew Sheet with notices and readings for the week is attached. Also attached is an Order for Daily Prayer during Christmas. Remember, it's a season and not just a day, and sustaining the celebration in peace and joy throughout the season is a powerful witness in a world which will soon tire of the celebration. Let's keep it going through to Epiphany and beyond, to Candlemas.
May hope, joy and peace be yours this Christmas,
Charles Booth
The Pew Sheet is attached with readings and notices and also a leaflet with details of Christmas Services. Please be a John the Baptist and promote as widely as possible. Before that, this Sunday there is Breakfast@Nine in the Church Hall which will be a celebration of light at this darkest time of the year.
Further Christmas contributions to the Blessing Bin for the Community Larder and donations of underwear (new), toiletries and sanitary products for rough sleepers would be most welcome.
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