Gill tells us the true story of Pete, a homeless man who was overjoyed when somebody gave him £20.00 some Christmas. But he didnt’ buy anything for himself: His biggest joy was to give it all away to good causes. That is just like Jesus who held nothing back, but gave himself! He lived among us and died for all of us! That’s the best Christmas gift ever!
Watch
Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.
Bob retells us of the story of the shepherds based on Luke 2:8-20. They were not the people we would expect to hear the great news of Jesus’ birth first, news that would change the world! They had a difficult job, defending their sheep from wolves and thieves, instead they were met by a host of angels!
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Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.
We enjoy singing carols accompanied by our special “worship choir”, we listen to well-known readings of the Christmas story and a great message about an unsung hero of this story: Joseph.
Gill explains the turmoil Joseph must have gone through, finding out that his fiancée Mary was pregnant. Not only did he have to deal with the thought that she was unfaithful, but according to the rule of the law of the day (Old Testament) she should have been stoned. Joseph chose a different route, we read that he planned to divorce her quietly, and therefore not bring the kind of justice of the day. Joseph chose Love and Grace, it probably meant he would have to endure ridicule for the rest of his life.
God knew exactly who He wanted to be the stepfather of His son Jesus. We might forget that Joseph will have been a role model for Jesus. Teaching him the family trade (carpentry) and allowing him to observe his behaviour. Who knows - without Joseph’s compassion, love and obedience, the Christmas story could have been very different!
Watch
Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.
Once again, our beautiful children bring many smiles to our faces as we watch them telling and singing to us the story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem.
Of course, Mary and Joseph are there, trying to find a place to stay, the innkeeper who isn’t very helpful, but in the end gives them shelter in a stable, the three wise men who travel far, follwing a star and the shepherds, hearing the good news from the angels.
The invitation still stands today: Oh come, let us adore Him!
If you would like to watch it (again), please find it on our facebook page under 10th December 2023 following this link: https://www.facebook.com/ashwoodchurch/
This week, Matt speaks to us about Mary’s perspective and “Mary’s Voice” in the Christmas account in the book of Luke.
“Mary’s account is historical and detailed but it’s also laden with meaning and prophetic nuance. Mary’s perspective is unique, profound, domestic, beautiful, good and true! The earthiness and the wonder of the incarnation are both captured in Luke’s account of Mary’s account!” (Amy Orr-Ewing)
In Luke 1:26-38 we read about the amazing encounter of the angel Gabriel with a young Mary, announcing that she - a virgin - will give birth to the son of God – the most high!
Her whole life as it lay before her is shaken, turned upside down and even in danger. What is her response? Is she overwhelmed? Is she afraid? Does she panic? Probably all of them!
But incredibly we read Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
She surrendered to God.
We pray that we can adopt that attitude of trust and faith in whatever situation we find ourselves in.
We also pray for people who feel overwhelmed. Taking a leaf from Mary, giving our circumstances, and our very lives into God’s hands.
To listen to the talk, follow this link