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 Dear Friends
As we begin to journey through Advent, we anticipate the unveiling of God through the birth of Christ at Christmas. Advent is an opportunity for reflection. A time to look out for God and to spend
time with God, yet for many of us this couldn’t come at a worse time - we are so busy!!
For us as a family, this year has been very special. In many ways I feel as if I have spent much of the year waiting for and anticipating Sarah and Jon’s wedding day
. Maybe that is why, when we come to the run up to Christmas, I find myself looking back and rejoicing in all the many ways I have felt God’s hand on my life and the life of my family. One of
those special moments was looking out from the front of the church and seeing all the people who mean so much to me in one place and at one time. It reminded me of all the times God has
been present through the love and care of family and friends. There were just so many memories; so much to be thankful for; so much to thank God for. There were also people who
were missing; people who have left a huge hole in my life and not least of these was my Mum. Yet even in this moment of sadness I was reminded of God’s presence in the midst of the
difficult and sad times of our lives.
Waiting can be one of the most difficult things we ever have to do. Waiting for an operation or the results of medical tests. Waiting for exam results or a response to a job application. Waiting
for Christmas! Whatever we are waiting for, God is right there in the waiting time. But in all the anxiety and confusion it is so easy to miss the comfort and peace that this knowledge can bring.
Christmas... God with us. Where has God been for you this year? Where have you glimpsed the presence of God in your neighbourhood, in your church and in the world? Why don’t you take a
moment away from the seasonal madness to sit down quietly and look at the places where you have sensed God’s presence with you this year? May God be in your waiting times!
With my love
Liz
My family join me in hoping that you will have a joyful Christmas and that you will experience the blessing of God in your lives throughout the coming year.
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