The great American songwriter, Oscar Hammerstein II once claimed that he just could not write a song without hope in it. He was an optimist, always looking for the positive in every situation.
Well, the Bible is the most optimistic book you could imagine. Despite the pain of history, it has a happy ending – looking forward to an eternal future that is free from evil and pain.
We are about to enter 2025 with the world scene more uncertain than ever. And the national scene, here in the UK, is also full of problems. Many people are feeling low, wondering which way to turn for comfort and security in their lives.
You can help them – at least the ones in your community. For your church magazine can be a small lifeline of Christian hope and love to the people of your community. Very few of them will ever see any other Christian publication.
There is an old saying: Bibles that are falling apart are usually owned by people who are not.
You won’t be able to get the Bible into the hands of all the people of your community, but you CAN get your church magazine into their hands. You can publish articles that tell them of the Christian hope in Jesus Christ, and which encourage them to lift up their hearts and minds to God.
So – be encouraged and energised this month – your magazine can be a little light which brings the Light of the World to your community this coming year.
May we wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a good start to 2025.
Anne Coomes and the Parish Pump Team