Happy Christmas everyone.

This morning we had a 'real live donkey' in church. You might be pleased to hear that it didn't do what donkeys do in the church building this week (though it did last week). Church was the setting for a nativity play, written and performed by members of the congregation at All Saints. It was a wonderful reminder of the impact of God in the lives of Mary and Joseph, and the call to worship Christ.

As I looked at the cast it was my privelege to know the life stories of each actor, and how the risen Lord Jesus had already met with them individually. The cast represented 3 nations, as well as several ages and stages, all drawn together in serving this wonderful story of salvation and communicating it afresh to a new generation.

I'm reminded of the words of a great carol:

(1) Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Saviour of the world was born
Rise to adore the mystery of love
Which hosts of angels chanted from above
With them the joyful tidings first begun
Of God incarnate and the Virgin's Son

This morning I saw us 'rise to adore' the mystery of love. Tomorrow morning, Christmas day, we get to 'salute the morn!'

And as I welcome visitors and residents of Peckham once again into our church over Christmas, let them know of our Alpha course, and ways to find out more, it is with great happiness that I reflect we have one great story and one great message. A baby born for a saving cross. We are to trace the journey in our hearts from cradle to cross, and pledge ourselves again in the fledgeling days of a new year to a cross-shaped future as well.

(5) Let us, like these good shepherds, them employ
Our grateful voices to proclaim the joy
Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss
From His poor manger to His bitter cross
Treading His steps, assisted by His grace
Till man's first heavenly state again takes place

May his Grace fill and carry you into his purposes in the months to come.