As we approach the end of another year, of what has been an unprecedented and very challenging one for us all, we are thankful to the hand of our faithful God who has upheld us with His peace and provision. The Service has managed to continue to support survivors to work through their traumas which has enabled a deep sense of calm through these troubled times.
As we draw near to Christmas Day, may I invite you to look with fresh eyes, ears and an open heart with wonder as we worship the Christ child. The promised Saviour has now come into the world and is Emmanuel –God with us, laying down His Glory to bring His amazing love to the world and to live among us as our hope, redeemer, and light of the world.
It can feel just now as if our lives have been taken over by coronavirus, the impact of practices in China has found its way to Britain’s shores and our lives are changed.
While we are being asked to distance ourselves from each other socially, it shows how interwoven our lives are.
Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it.
God wants to be present in all parts of our lives, not just the easy or serene moments.
During Lent I’ve been making an online retreat with a thought-for-the-day landing each morning in my inbox. Below is one of the sound-bites:
Your prayer makes a difference. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer. The Magdalene Project was founded on prayer and remains dependent on prayer.
Celebrate with us God’s goodness and faithfulness to us in this 20th year from Magdalene’s beginnings to continuing to meet present day needs This summer has been distinctive for The Magdalene Project.
When Jesus walked towards the cross, he walked along the Via Dolorosa in the old city of Jerusalem, a path or route meaning Way of grief or Way of sorrow or Way of suffering.
It was a journey that only Jesus himself could make – a journey he was making for our sake, to release resurrection life to you and me.
But Jesus was open to compassion from whoever offered it, as part of his plan of love from all eternity.
At this busy time of year we can be distracted from the real reason of this joyful season with the glitter, tinsel and commercial trappings. But as Christians we gaze with awe and wonder at the divine and fully human Presence of the Christ Child, and celebrate His love, peace and Hope for the world. We like the Shepherds are invited to come and worship, and make room in our hearts this Christmas and to honour Him as Lord and Saviour of our lives. May He do a miracle in your heart so that you can receive all He wants to impart to you and see glimpses of His glory that surprise and bless you.
Dear Friends,
