UNITING
THERE are many mixed feelings about Christmas, even among those who are looking forward to being able to gather again this year.
COVID really has ‘done a number’ on our energy levels and enthusiasm for many things.
It has been apparent over the last week that while everyone is pleased to have more freedoms, there are lasting side effects of extended lockdowns and isolation.
Christmas is usually ‘marketed’ as a time of celebration and fun, but this year the shine has dulled a little.
We are cautious about gathering and travelling, and anxious about keeping up with restrictions if we do cross a border.
Jesus was born into a time of chaos.
The census that had been called meant many people moving from town to town to be counted.
By the time Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem from Nazareth, there was no certainty of accommodation.
Mary did not have her family or familiar midwives to rely on when she went into labour, and Joseph had left the security of the life he had built in Nazareth, a life he knew would provide for his family.
In the years to come, they would move again, becoming refugees in Egypt until they were told it was safe to return to their homeland.
Amidst all of this, a baby is born.
New life, tender and vulnerable and requiring focused attention and nurture.
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus.
It is recognising God’s love for a broken world.
As the songwriter Helen Lemmel wrote: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of this glory and grace.”
Merry Christmas From Swan Hill Uniting Church.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.
ANGLICAN
THE fourth and last Sunday of Advent was celebrated in a different way last Sunday, as Rae and Denis led the service of “Nine Lessons and Carols.”
We were so glad to be free to sing unrestricted at last, especially with nine songs instead of the usual four, plus three ‘warm ups’ and the reflective music during communion.
As a bonus the music group had added a special rendition of “O Holy Night.”
At last we were also free to leave without having to sanitise the church before gathering for morning tea in the foyer.
Denis shared a reflection on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, giving us a picture crafted through words of this amazing young woman’s acceptance of, and obedience to, the call of God.
There followed a list of all those called right from Old Testament times through to the twelve chosen by Jesus himself, who wouldn’t have passed an interview for the “job” ahead.
They were flawed human beings who achieved things far beyond their own expectations.
We should remind ourselves of the saying that God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things when enabled by the Holy Spirit.
Christmas services tonight will be at 7.30pm at All Saints Nyah West and 9.30pm in Swan Hill.
Tomorrow’s service will be in Christ Church Swan Hill at 9.30am, with no restrictions on numbers this week.
Next Friday on New Year’s Eve, the church will be open from 9.30pm until just after midnight, for people to come in and pray for the year ahead.
Within those three hours is the opportunity to reflect, especially on the last two years, and commit to praying for our world and care towards each other.
All are welcome to visit, even for a short time.
Blessings to all at Christmas and throughout 2022.
GRAIN SHED
TONIGHT we are holding a special Christmas Eve service at 6.30pm and all are welcome.
This service will not be online, so come along and join in.
Praise God that we can be together as we enter this magic season celebrating our Saviour’s birth.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Sunday December 26 there will be no in-house church, it will only be online on our Grain Shed Church Facebook and Youtube pages from 10am.
We will be starting the new year with a change to our Sunday services, from January 2 there will only be one service at 10am.
A big thank you to Pastor Jodi for all that she does in our Pastoral Care, and for the organising of the Christmas hampers, which saw over 500 going out into the community.
And of course not forgetting those who helped on the days packing and distributing, and all who donated.
An enormous thank you.
Our thanks also go out to all who so generously give their time in helping out in ways seen and unseen at the Grain Shed and in the gardens.
Your work is truly appreciated.
As 2021 draws to close and this being our last Grain Shed news until January, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May God’s peace and love be with you all.
