Marie Higgs - Wilderness Whispers Bulletin

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St John in the Wilderness- Koromiko & Holy Trinity Anglican Church- Picton

From Rev Richard:-

Christmas seems a little unreal this year – having been out of circulation as it were- travelling the world and not taking a great deal of notice of what is happening re Christmas- other matters occupied our minds. It has come something of a shock to find that we are in the final run-up to the event. Our travels were truly amazing and will take us a little while to get our heads around and resettle back into the ordinary.

So what do we say of Christmas this year? Here is a really interesting church sign: ‘Come in and pray today. Beat the Christmas rush!’ Something that was reinforced for us while on study leave was to set ourselves the priority of seeking God’s presence above all else. We are to host the presence of the Lord. That means to deliberately welcome and treasure his presence in our daily life..This entails putting ourselves in such a place where we become still and know that He is God. In our time, Church has become a place where we gather around a sermon and a service. Israel at its best  (in the Old testament) gathered around God’s presence. Life lived out in His presence brings breakthough and renewal. His presence is both an infinitely wonderful gift and the ultimate way to transform how we live. When we live out of His presence we also offer love and a gift to those we live with and meet. Will  we accept such a wonderful and courageous invitation?

Christmas reminds us that God came and at our invitation He comes to dwell among us.

Go well and Blessings: Rev Richard
 

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