A time of comfort and hope
A time to read again the timeless
message of Jesus’s birth
In Advent, as Christian people, we look back to what God has done in Jesus through the stories of his nativity which bring us comfort.
We also look forward to Jesus’ promised advent, his return to bring all his people home, which brings us hope.
We tell the story of a young, pregnant, unmarried woman in the middle east.
We tell of a man standing by this woman, against all the customs of the day.
We tell of unruly shepherds, wise men from the east and angelic choirs.
We tell of a birth in a stable among the animals, because over-crowded hotels had no room for a needy family.
This is a story of poverty, homelessness and refugees.
This is a story of a conquered nation living under a foreign ruler’s laws.
This is a story of hope.
For, as God has acted in the past, he will act in the future and is acting even now as the hungry are fed, the homeless are housed, the refugee finds a home and the sick are healed.
God is acting through us as we respond to the story of the nativity in compassion to those around us.
May you find comfort and a new hope this Advent.
May you find hope for the future in an ever-changing world and discover the love of Christ at the foot of your Christmas stocking.
Rev Sue Murray,
Bisley Benefice, Gloucestershire
