Over the last three weeks my wife has been busy decorating the house for Christmas. As part of that we have Christmas characters – shepherds, wisemen, Mary and Joseph and their donkey, spread around the house. Each day they move, all making their way to the manger where on Christmas day the Christ child will appear (much to the delight of our grandchildren). This tradition is a reminder that Jesus didn’t just appear out of the blue one day, instead there was a time of waiting and expectation before he arrived.
Advent reminds us that there is a point in time when something wonderful was about to happen, a time that would bring great joy and hope to many. A time when we would see a physical expression of God’s love for us all. As you count down the days to Christmas I hope that you will find time to stop and ponder what the coming birth of Jesus might mean for you and your family. And I wonder how we might show some love to those for whom Christmas is a time of loneliness.
This Sunday We continue with Mathew’s story of Jesus and some of the names mentioned in Jesus list of ancestors. We’ll be focussing on the names of five women who make that list – five quite unusual people who each have a story to tell. This week we will hear the story of Bathsheba.
Christmas Carols – Join us on Christmas eve from 7pm to sing Christmas Carols and hear again the story of Christmas. This will be a fun family event followed by supper.
Mainly Music will restart Wednesday 10 February 2021. If you have small children feel free to join us.
Small Groups Currently in recess over the holiday period but contact the church if you would like to join one.
Oh and for those who are unable to join us we will still have an on-air service for you @10.30am and again @ 8pm on Thursday evening on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM or you can livestream at
http://coastaccessradio.org.nz/Listen/index.aspx The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If at this time you need someone to chat with then please call the church office 04 2987766 or email office@pb.org.nz and we’ll get back to you.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paraparaumubaptist
Grace and peace