In this together...

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Many of you will know that this time of year is my favourite. I get involved with it all! Carol concerts, Christmas movies, Christmas music, dressing ridiculously, gifts and going to see the lights that amaze.

The reason I love Christmas so much, is that it brings everyone together. It brings in the truth, that you are loved. It might be a stranger walking past, making the extra effort to smile and say 'Merry Christmas', allowing that person to feel seen. Or it might be someone getting you something that is that 'perfect gift' for you.

Here in Jackson, I will be spending my Christmas day with people from all over coming together to have a big meal! The body of Christ have come together with providing the meal, as individuals and churches bring different dishes. We will play games, pray together and eat together at our 'Family table'.

As you read about the birth of Jesus and the first part of His life, you see how people came together. His birth wasn't kept a secret, but announced. The shepherds left everything to go and see this baby. Leaving their sheep in a vulnerable place with no shepherds, risking loosing them. 



The king's risk their jobs and livelihood  as they went against Herod's orders and brought our saviour gifts! Gold = Gift for a King, Frankincense = Gift for a priest, Myrrh = Gift for one who died. These kings brought appropriate gifts for our saviour, who was fully God and fully man, and was about to grow up as a beautiful example for us and do the greatest act of love. Defeated death so we can live forever with Him, as we were created to do.

God never created us to be alone and fully independent. Jesus even came as a baby and showed us that! He couldn't ever had done things without help from those created to look after Him. Mary willingly gave God her 'Yes' to birth and care for the son of God! Even Simeon, who was told that he was one day going to see our Saviour, didn't see him as an adult or even as a young child. But he saw Him at 8 days old and got to hold Him. He totally submitted to this tiny baby boy, knowing who He was. As he was soft hearted and allowed the Holy Spirit to speak though him. 

As you go through this Christmas season, I would love to challenge you to surround yourself with others. Seek community where you are. As God commanded us to love Him with everything in us, we get to also love our neighbours like we love ourselves. Not one person is not your neighbour, and you get to love them, as God teaches you to love. 

Thank you to each of you for being my community. For praying for me encouraging me and loving me. I couldn't do my every day with out you all! Thank you for being part of the story of all God is doing here in Downtown, Jackson! 

If you want to know more of my role here, or how to support me in it, through prayer or financially please do email me at wwg.ruth@gmail.com

Merry Christmas everyone!