" O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

Emmanuel, or Immanuel, means "God is with us", In the Old Testament, Isaiah and the other prophets urged people to walk with God, but all too often they prefer to go their own way. At the beginning of the New Testament, Matthew starts the Gospel with a reminder of the history of God's people. Then Matthew tells how Joseph heard the angels' message that Jesus would save us from our sins, causing Jesus to be given the title Emmanuel, "God is with us".

Christians have found many appropriate titles for Jesus, showing our respect for the many ways in which he has befriended, helped and saved us. Beautiful Advent Carols like "O come. O come, Emmanuel" use names and ideas from the Old testament prophets, such as "Dayspring", " Rod of Jesse", and "key of David" to encourage us to long to be closer to God, just as people longed before Jesus was born.

There will be two Carol services this month. The first will be Advent Carols and Readings at 4pm on Sunday 3rd December, looking forward to our celebration of Christ's birth. Then there will be Christmas and New Year Carols and Readings at 5pm on Sunday 31st December, rejoicing at the presence of Jesus in our world and a new year in which to walk more closely with him, knowing Emmanuel, God is with us.

The dates and times of the other Christmas services are in this magazine [and on the wbsite home page]. By Christmas we expect to have our new central heating boiler and radiators ready and working, so you will receive a really warm welcome when you come to church.

Remember, if you ever feel that the commercial side of Christmas has spoiled this wondrous season, you only have to step inside a church to find its true meaning and the peace and blessings Jesus came to bring.

With every blessing,

Ann