Rector’s Letter

The angel said to the shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people.’ Luke 2.10-11.

This year, the Church of England has aptly chosen “Joy” as its Advent and Christmas theme. In our church of St. Michael and All Angels Church, we will – as always – be seeking to make the most of the opportunity December brings to share the joy of Christmas with our community. We’re doing this through a range of events and services both within church and through our community work.

During this time, we hope to invite people to rediscover the deep, abiding joy that the birth of Christ offers for our lives. This is a joy that is much more than mere fleeting emotion; it is a joy that can become a life-changing experience stemming from knowing the boundless love and presence of God in our daily lives. The angel’s message to the shepherds on that first Christmas night serves not only as a declaration of joy but also as a powerful reminder that God’s love can overcome the challenges and hardships of our world. By sharing the good news with these marginalized individuals, God revealed the birth of Jesus and emphasized the inclusive and transformative nature of his love.

In Advent, as we anticipate again the joy that the birth of Christ brings, we are called to remember that it was into a chaotic, imperfect world that God chose to enter our lives. The messiness of the stable, the danger posed by King Herod, and the proclamation to ordinary shepherds all serve to highlight that Jesus came not to avoid the realities of human existence, but to meet us at the heart of our experiences. This truth is the cornerstone of the joy we celebrate during Advent and Christmas. The message of joy, initially delivered to the shepherds and later echoed by the wise men representing all nations, reminds us that the birth of Christ has the power to unite people from all backgrounds and walks of life. As we rejoice in the joy of Christmas, let us commit to breaking down barriers, promoting unity, and reaching out to those in need. While recognizing the difficulties and challenges that our world faces, let us also embrace the transformative power of God’s love, realised in the birth of Jesus. Through our celebrations and acts of compassion, may we become bearers of hope and joy in our local communities and beyond.

As we journey through Advent, may we keep the humble beginnings of the Christ-child in our hearts, allowing the joy of the angel’s message to inspire us to share the good news of great joy with others, through our words and actions. Let us embrace the promise of the angel’s message, sharing the joy of Christmas with everyone around us.

With my prayers and very best wishes