Dear Friends,

Most of the people reading this magazine will be pretty familiar with the events of the first Christmas. People will know the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to register in Bethlehem for the Roman census. They will know of how angels appeared to Mary and to the shepherds after the birth of Jesus. They will know too of the Magi or the Wise Men travelling from the East, following the star until it stopped over a dilapidated stable in Bethlehem, an unlikely birthplace for the king born to be the saviour of the world.

If there is a character or characters that somehow capture the prevailing mood or spirit in our society at this time, I think it might be the Magi. There is something that seems to resonate with the appetite many seem to have at this time for a spiritual search in their lives.

There seems to be a hunger for spiritual things and rather strange and wonderful things seem to be happening to reflect this. It’s sometimes documented in the media as a quiet revolution. Many young people, men in particular, are turning up at churches searching for purpose, for meaning and for some sort of faith perspective.

The very demographic that most people would associate with the rejection of faith and having a deeply sceptical or atheistic world view, are apparently coming back to churches. They are drawn by the beauty, the mystery, the hope of new life after death. They are curious about the idea that God, the creator of the world has revealed himself to us through His Son Jesus Christ and how through His Holy Spirit, He is with us now.

These are events we anticipate during the season of Advent and celebrate during the season of Christmas. I love the openness of the Magi who embody and embrace this search for meaning and purpose.

One of the key features of this modern day ‘quiet revolution’ is the powerful impact of personal invitations. You could be a key agent in someone from your household or a friend or work colleague coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It can be as simple as inviting someone to a church service or event where somehow their eyes are open and their hearts are more receptive to receiving the gift of faith.

There are all sorts of things happening in the next month or so, Christingle services, Advent and Christmas carol services, Advent services. There will be celebrations at our organisations and there will hopefully be invitations to the curious, to the modern day seekers who, just like the Magi, are prepared to invest in a spiritual search in their lives.

My prayer is that we will be brave enough to invite people along and maybe in our own quiet way be something of a signpost to the person of Jesus who is at the heart of all our celebrations. Maybe you could be part of distributing this gift that cannot be measured in monetary value but which has offered hope and meaning and purpose to millions over the centuries.

If you are thinking of inviting friends or family members, can I encourage you to pray for them, that they might be open and that this might be one of the key moments in many people’s spiritual journeys.

Looking forward to seeing many people who will be returning home over the coming weeks and may your hearts and homes be filled with the presence of Jesus.

I’m conscious too of how this time of year can be difficult for all sorts of reasons, especially for those who have lost loved ones and who feel that loss very acutely in this season. If you know people in that situation, can I encourage you to reach out and ensure that they know they are not forgotten and that your support and prayers are with them?

With every good wish.

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822