In this strange year, it has brought me encouragement to realise how
well we can maintain our life of worship and service even in difficult
circumstances. Week by week, we have worshipped ‘apart together’,
through printed resources, telephone calls, text messages, and online
streamed worship. And now, as we move into Advent, we are able
once again to produce our Advent reflections to help us prepare for
Jesus’ birth.
In choosing the passages for this year, I focused on light, hope and
peace, looking especially for places where those themes emerged
from times of struggle and sadness. The Bible is clear that God stands
alongside us in hardship and danger, and it’s good to be reminded of
that steadfast, faithful presence at our side.
I’m grateful to the local preachers and ministers who have engaged
with this idea and written contributions for this year – I’m
always amazed at the creativity and range of skills we have amongst
our preachers. Thank you too to Nick, Angela and Rachel who have
worked hard to produce the booklet in a whole range of media.
As you read these reflections, alongside many other folk from the
circuit and beyond, I pray that they will help you to prepare for Jesus’
coming, the light of the world who steps into our darkness. And when
Christmas comes, even if it feels different from other years, may it be
for you and those you love a time of God’s blessing and peace.
Caroline
