As we approach Advent, it is a good time to celebrate that Advent and Christmas is about beginnings, invitation, waiting and arrival - both for the birth of God as a human baby and for the coming of Christ as King - the God who was and is and is about to arrive.
Revelation 1: 4 - 8 (MSG)
4-7 I, John, am writing this to the seven churches in Asia province: All the best to you from The God Who Is, The God Who Was, and The God About to Arrive, and from the Seven Spirits assembled before his throne, and from Jesus Christ—Loyal Witness, Firstborn from the dead, Ruler of all earthly kings.
Glory and strength to Christ, who loves us, who blood-washed our sins from our lives, Who made us a Kingdom, Priests for his Father, forever—and yes, he’s on his way! Riding the clouds, he’ll be seen by every eye, those who mocked and killed him will see him, People from all nations and all times will tear their clothes in lament. Oh, Yes.
8 The Master declares, “I’m A to Z. I’m The God Who Is, The God Who Was, and The God About to Arrive. I’m the Sovereign-Strong.”
Jesus is a true king, an embodiment of sovereignty as one who loves His people so much that He becomes one of them, lives a human life, shares in our suffering, hopes and joys, gives His life so that we can live His risen life with Him and who makes us a Kingdom united in His love. And it is the whole of this that we celebrate at Advent and Christmas, not just the baby born in a stable but the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1: 3 - 5 (NIV)).
We can celebrate Christ our King at Christmas, giving presents and sharing a meal with those we love, but we can celebrate Him and the presence of His Kingdom all the time by giving of the gifts that He has given us, using our skills, talents and resources to help those who we meet in the journey of life, and we can share His loving abundance with those who feel unloved, lonely, hurting, feeling lacking, materially or spiritually.
Christmas Hampers
The Christmas Hampers are underway! They include items such as Christmas treats, biscuits, chocolates, Christmas cake, practical items like towels, soap and toothpaste and Christmas activity books for the children. Christmas can be a hard time of year for those struggling with debt, with many feeling they have to provide a 'normal' Christmas for their family, adding to already stretched finances, or others who are estranged from their families or feel alone and isolated with little to celebrate at Christmas. We hope that the Christmas Hampers help bring a little of the true meaning of Christmas to our clients, that it is about the love and joy of Christ come into the world, something that we can all celebrate and share whatever our circumstances.
Prayer
Please pray for all those who are suffering for whatever reason, that they would know the love and support of Jesus who suffers for them and suffers with them.
Please pray for all our clients, especially for those who feel alone or are estranged from their family. Pray that the love of the Ely and District CAP team will help rekindle strength and purpose through the sharing of the love of Jesus and the knowledge of His kingdom come.
Give thanks for the gift that enables the team to put together our client Christmas hampers, that these will be a blessing to those living in a time of darkness.
Pray for all those struggling with the busyness of Christmas, that this Advent, they would find a breathing space to pause and recognise the love of Jesus that enfolds them and surrounds them, not just for one day a year but throughout the journey of life.
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