Christmas all year round???

The days when the paper boy delivered the daily news, so that we could peruse it over breakfast are just a memory for most of us now. We miss the postman's cheery greeting in the morning, and again in the afternoon, because there were two deliveries every day! Milk is stacked in plastic containers on supermarket shelves, but some people still remember a horse drawn cart, and a milk man with churns and a measuring ladle. Once upon a time... buses had a driver to drive and a conductor to take the fares and give the tickets. These were all people we became acquainted with, daily faces and voices which we recognised, people who knew us by name. Times have changed; modern life has anonymity, and loneliness.

The T.V. presents us with all the affairs of Planet Earth but it doesn't make conversation with us. It doesn't talk - it tells! If you are lonely, that can be tantalising, and provoke tears. We can shop online, get an online diagnosis if we feel unwell, study for exams with an internet tutor, use a smart phone to adjust heating, lighting, and security in our home and... if you are rich enough, a robot can do all the housework, and even drive your car. (Although, that last one requires courage as well as cash!!!)

We've just celebrated another Christmas. We had an opportunity to celebrate with community in concerts, carol services, school nativity plays, church services, under lavish decorations in shops and streets, and if we took the time, to celebrate the fact that God's son, Jesus Christ, was born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. We hope that you enjoyed the season, but though the tinsel and the lights are gone, though the media have mo

ved on to New Year sales and pre-Spring bargains, the old old story is still being told. We celebrate Jesus all year round.

Christmas is the annual affirmation that God still loves humanity and cares that we love Him in return through faith in Jesus. Remember what they say about puppies, not just being for Christmas? Well Jesus is a bit like that... Traditions have come and gone; but the worship of God is 24/7 & 365 days a year. God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! And you're always welcome to come and investigate His ancient truths with us, on Sundays at 11am & 4pm