UNITING
LOVE came down at Christmas, is the first line of a hymn written in the 1800s by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
The words of this hymn are simple and encompass the meaning of Christmas without lengthy prose.
In a world where the word love is sometimes bandied about, the depth and strength of love, such as God intended, can be overlooked.
Love came to us, imperfect as we are, and we were trusted with its nurturing and sharing.
People have not changed over time.
The basic needs of all humanity remain the same.
The way we express or meet these needs may be different, but the needs themselves remain.
Beyond the obvious physical requirements, we are at best, a complex mess of emotions.
Sometimes these seem overwhelming.
The simplicity of the Christmas message is a Holy pause in our busy and complex lives.
Love came down at Christmas, bringing with it permission to bring all that seems burdensome and taking a deep breath.
Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us.
The last verse of the hymn begins with ‘Love will be our token, love be yours and love be mine’.
Let’s take time this Christmas to let yourself be embraced by this love and in turn, embrace one another.
Coming up at Swan Hill Uniting:
Sunday December 19 – Morning tea and Carol singing following the 10am service.
Christmas Eve – Service at 8pm with Carol Boyce.
Christmas Day – Service at 9.30am with Barry Bishop.
Sunday December 26 – Service at 10am with Max Cooke.
GRAIN SHED
YES, amidst all of the end of year’s events, with group and activity break ups, school out, and Christmas preparations, who isn’t looking forward to a holiday?
And really, another COVID variant… which is causing some apprehension with regards to travel.
All of this can become overwhelming, however God is there, and is waiting for us to call on him.
‘I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
‘My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
‘He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber.’ Psalm 121:1 NIV
Our Grain Shed Youth finished up last week, many thanks go to all the team – Liz, Thomas, Bill, Merrilyn and Rob – as youth leaders with all the youth having a fun time together.
Our craft ladies are meeting this Thursday 10am, with a little party of course!
Pastor Jodi Grant would like to thank all who have so generously participated in our Christmas Hamper Operation 2021, through donations and/or the giving of time to help pack and the distribute the hampers.
Also another thank you from us and Anglicare to all who brought in gifts for the empty Christmas tree.
They have been collected earlier this week in preparation for Christmas.
This Sunday we will be holding two church services with the 9.30am, bookings essential, no proof of vaccination required, and at 11am, no bookings required, but proof of vaccination required.
Our online service will be broadcast late afternoon on our Grain Shed Church Facebook and Youtube page.
Save the date:
Special Christmas Eve service here at the Grain Shed.
Time to be announced.
Please take note that there will be no in-house church service on Sunday December 26 2021.
Church will be online on our Grain Shed Church page on Facebook or Youtube at 10am.
ANGLICAN
IN the midst of the busy pre-Christmas rush may we all find time to pause, and to remember that this season is about what God has given us.
Our God has a generous and loving heart and has given us hope and joy through Jesus.
Many of you will be sending out annual Christmas letters and cards that reflect, at least briefly, on the year that is past.
It is good to reflect with an attitude of gratefulness even when things have been tough.
We all have something to be thankful for in the midst of life’s struggles.
After Christmas we will start to look forward to the New Year and 2022.
You might like to join in a short church service on New Year’s Eve (at 9.30pm) to pray for the year ahead and seek God’s grace as you start to plan ahead.
The service will include some readings to meditate on.
Christ Church will remain open after the service from about 10pm until a little after midnight for anyone who wants to pop in for a quiet prayer for the year ahead.
Please note that there will be no midweek service on Wednesday December 29.
Please see the Church Notices for the service times and venues for Christmas services.
Visitors will be most welcome.
