Christmas cards and decorations often proclaim that this is a time of peace and joy. Yet so many people's experience of Christmas is far from this loftly ideal. When we feel that we are responsible for the peace we long for, we inevitably experience disappointment and despair. Even with our good intentions, so many Christmas Day celebrations end up with loved ones having a row or leaving with a sense of disappointment.
As we continue with our Advent journey this week, we will hear from the prophet Isaiah (11:1-10) about the true peace we eagerly await in these latter days. This is not just about getting along with one another. This is a peace that is RADICALLY different from anything we could ever dream of! I mean who could conceive of the peace Isaiah describes: The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
Clearly this peace we celebrate and long for at Christmas is something we can't achieve ourselves. But strengthened with the peace that comes from sins forgiven in Christ's name, we can give others a glimpse of this heavenly peace even now.
Divine Service will begin at 11.00am and will be followed by a community lunch.
For your info here are the upcoming Christmas service times:
23rd December: Service of Lessons and Carols; 11.00am
24th December: Children's Christmas Service; 6.00pm
25th December: Service with Holy Communion; 11.00am
1st January: Service with Holy Communion; time TBA
God's peace,
Pastor Matt
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