Hope, Peace, Joy and carols!

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to visit Palestine and Israel. It was a remarkable trip. I still think of the people of Palestine and Israel and pray for justice, peace, and a shared future as they respond to COVID and beyond.

One of the souvenirs that I purchased in Bethlehem was a hand-carved Nativity set made of olive wood. I was a bit nervous about bringing it through customs, however, I knew that the wood was treated, and that these are a commonly imported product. I declared the Nativity set and prepared to show it to the official. What I wasn’t expecting at the customs line was an interrogation of a theological nature. The official said to me, “So this is a Nativity set? Well, where is Jesus?” I had to take out all the figures from the box until I found the small carved baby Jesus. He seemed to be more interested in the content of the Nativity set than what it was made of! It was a nice, shared moment.

The mystery of Christmas is that God comes to us in the form of a vulnerable child. God enters fully into the human story, showing us how to love each other and how to love God. Amidst the uncertainty of life, may we once again be blessed with the hope and love of God with us this Christmas.

Common Grace’s Advent series is great companion to reflect on the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love in this season before Christmas.

REACHING OUT AT CHRISTMAS
Thanks to those who have supported our Giving Trees in the Junior and Secondary School this year. We look forward to delivering the donations. Anglicare continues to support people in our local community and is running a virtual giving tree, if you’d like to support them.

The Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) is partnering with communities in Australia and overseas this Christmas to bring a future of hope. Their projects include the Sustainable Livelihoods Project in Kenya which builds disability inclusion as communities work to improve their livelihoods and address the impacts of climate change and a gender equality project in Eastern Zambia. More information can be found here.

RADFORD CAROLS SERVICE
Sunday 5th December, Live streamed at 5pm

The choirs have prepared some wonderful carols for us to enjoy this year, as we hear the Christmas story through song and Scripture. The service will be streamed this year.
Click here for the stream.
Click here for the program.

GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS
The Radford carols playlist with our students singing has been enjoyed by many.

Thanks to those who have shared their photos with us.

Christmas blessings
Rev. Dr Katherine and Chaplain Andy