Happy Christmas

After all the list writing, present buying, food preparation, television schedule reviewing and carol singing in Advent, Christmas has finally arrived.

On Wednesday I joined members of Chapel Allerton Methodist Church as we walked around the cold and snow covered streets near the church carol singing. This is an annual event and for me at least is the moment I feel that Christmas is finally upon us.

Yesterday I finished work at the surgery earlier enough to attend another traditional event in our church, a tea-time Christingle service which as always attracted a large number of parents and children. It is wonderful to see the church full with so much youthful hope and expectation.

And so to today, Christmas Day, a yearly reminder if we need it, of Immanuel, God is with us. How great is that!

We’ll now be spending a few days with family and friends and no doubt eating far too much than is good for us. And then next week the four of us travel to Uganda to visit an MRDF sponsored project and meet the local Methodist Church. It will be a New Year to remember.

Can I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.