Welcome to our last issue of Parish Pump for 2024!
What a year it has been, with world events going from bad to worse.
As well as the escalating war in Ukraine and the Middle East, we have had unprecedented wildfires, storms and floods across the world. Millions are displaced, millions are homeless and hungry. Meanwhile, the cost-of-living crisis continues, and food banks in the UK look set to be overwhelmed. Many of us now are facing a hard winter, with seemingly little to be cheerful about.
And yet, and yet – the message of Christmas is just as real for us today as it was 2000 years ago, and it can still bring us hope and joy for our long-term future. Emmanuel has come, the Prince of Peace, the Son of Righteousness. God IS with us. And HIS kingdom will have no end.
Your church community can still witness to that in your neighbourhood this Christmas. Perhaps you can do so through showing the compassion of Foodbanks, or perhaps through outdoors Christmas carol singing. You can still witness to the love of God, even by simply showing some kindness and love to your neighbours.
And your church magazine is more important than ever – especially if you can get them out into your community. They are probably the ONLY Christian literature any of your non-Christian neighbours will even see this Christmas. If you don’t remind them of the true Christmas message this year, who will?
So – with that in mind, we have a vast array of Christmas-themed material for you this month – please use all that you like, and rejoice in the love of a God who sends His only Son to be our Saviour. Peace on earth, goodwill towards men!
Anne Coomes and the Parish Pump Team