Remembrance Sunday was full and varied and despite some very heavy rain just as people were arriving for our 9.45am service, the sun came out for the annual act of remembrance around the flag-pole in the church yard. All ages gathered for our short but poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifice made by our military personnel.
This was followed by a baptism, at which I was very grateful to be wearing a poppy – it proved to be a decoy and a distraction to the babies, and there was far less grabbing at my lapel mike than normal! It was a reminder that death and new life are so often experienced together.
The evening confirmation service with the Bishop of Willesden was a celebration of God’s renewing work in our lives. Eight people stood up in a public service and said that they wanted to commit themselves to following Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
I’ve just finished reading a book by J John called ‘The Life’. This portrait of Jesus carefully and systematically paints a picture of a remarkable man that’s far from the sweet baby in a manger or the meek and mild character in a Sunday School. He was a dynamic teacher and communicator, a miracle worker full of integrity and compassion. He confronted injustice and chose to face death for our sakes. No other life has had the same impact as Jesus Christ, even to the point that our dating system honours his birth!
One key benefit of being a Christian is the hope that God gives us. A recent Christian newspaper reported on the stories of people who have become Christians recently, whose lives have been transformed from desperate to hopeful. There was plenty of hope around that first Christmas as the shepherds sprinted off the hills and into Bethlehem in search of God who had become man. That same hope is available for us as we commence 2008. Aspirations, New Year resolutions, and a determination to do things differently can be met with God’s help.
I’ll sign off 2007 with a verse from the Bible. ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ My prayer is that this Christmas you will experience the hope that inspired a bunch of shepherds and a group of wise men to view a newborn baby with so much anticipation, and that your New Year will be drenched in the hope that comes from trusting God with your life.
I look forward to welcoming you at our services this Christmas and wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
God bless, Adrian
Writing for ICN about Christmas straight after the Remembrance Day Parade with its theme of peace making, highlights the importance of peace in the message of Christmas.
When the chorus of angels appeared to the shepherds to announce good news of great joy for all people – a saviour has been born – their song was not only of glory to God but also of peace on earth. This was recorded by Luke, who started the chapter by telling of the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordering a census throughout the Roman Empire which required people to travel to their ancestral home towns.
Matthew’s account of the events around Jesus’ birth, tells of magi from an eastern culture who believed a new star indicated a new King of the Jews had been born. They travelled to the current king in Jerusalem to pay respects, and found a jealous despot who was so determined to eliminate the possibility of the new king coming to power that he had all children of that age killed.
What a need for peace! – in those times, and in so many generations and nations around the world.
Christians believe that Jesus was born to be Prince of Peace, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy made hundreds of years before in a nation facing disaster. “Of the increase of his government there will be no end… establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”
When Jesus was facing death at the hands of Roman and Jewish authorities, he said “Peace I leave with you… my own peace… not as the world gives.” When Jesus was raised from death he came to his followers saying “Peace be with you!” not just as a conventional greeting, but empowering them with his Spirit to be forgiving.
May that Peace be not only a greeting for us this Christmas, but a core principal and motive force for life in the years ahead. And so I say Happy Christmas and New Year Blessings to you all.
Bernie
FROM THE CHURCHES’ REGISTERS
Baptisms at St Giles’
Oct 14th Samuel James Burgess
Nov 11th Ellis Stuart Lister
Samuel Robert Jagroop
Burial at Northwood Cemetery
Oct 15th James Kenneth Walker, aged 76 (after service at St Giles’)
Cremations at Breakspear Crematorium
Oct 16th Rose Ethel Theis, aged 91
Oct 29th Keith Frederick Dalton, aged 78 (followed by service at St Giles’)
Oct 29th Elsie Sharp, aged 74
ST GILES’ CHURCH MONTHLY STREET PRAYER LIST
Each week at St Giles’ Church we pray for all the people who live or work in a particular road in the Parish. During December and January we will pray for the following roads:
Dec 2nd Crosier Road
Dec 9th Derwent Avenue
Dec 16th Edinburgh Close
Dec 23rd Edinburgh Drive
Dec 30th Eleanor Grove
Jan 6th Elgar Close
Jan 13th Enstone Road
Jan 20th Gibson Road
Jan 27th Gilbey Close
If you live in one of these roads why not join us at our 8am or 9.45am services? You will be most welcome.
