Dear Friends
What will Christmas look like this year? As I write we have just emerged from Lockdown 2 and are now in Tier 3. There is much talk of how we might save Christmas. It’s such a special time of year but quite difficult to prepare for as a church given that we don’t know whether or not we will be able to gather.
Wales & Kiveton is at its best when it gathers together as community. Whether that be in past like lighting last years Christmas lights or the recent 75th Anniversary VE Day celebrations. There is no doubt that the community is better together and social media has played a big part in enabling that to continue.
As I reflect on last Christmas I remember our wonderful choir and musicians leading us in out Carols by Candlelight service. The most special day is Christmas Eve seeing family and friends snuggled closely together in our ancient church with their faces aglow with love. Illuminated by the tiny flame of the Christingle – the Christ light.
Christmas is about the hope a tiny child brings to a troubled world 2000 years ago and today. We don’t have to save Christmas because Christmas actually saves us through the birth of a baby named Emmanuel which means ‘God is with us.’ God is with us at all times. In the good times and the more challenging moments. God knows our deepest fears and will never abandon us. Please be reassured this Christmas that the God who came from heaven to earth knows you and loves you.
I hope you will join me on Christmas Eve at 4.00pm on Facebook Live for a unique Christingle Service. Although we can’t be with one another it doesn’t mean we need remain apart.
The following Advent and Christmas Services are all available to view on Wales Parish Church Facebook Page:
Wales Church Christmas Services 2020
6th December
9.15am – Advent 2 Holy Communion in Church & Facebook Live
13th December
9.15am – Advent 3 Holy Communion in Church
11.00am – Christmas Family Service Facebook Live only
20th December
9.15am Morning Worship in Church
5.00pm Carols by Candlelight Facebook Live only
Christmas Eve
4.00pm – Christingle Service Facebook Live only
11.30pm – Midnight Mass in Church & Facebook Live
Christmas Day
9.15am – Christmas Day Morning Service in Church & Facebook Live
27th December
10.30am – Christmas 1 Holy Communion with friends from Harthill and Thorpe
3rd January
9.15am Holy Communion in Church and Facebook Live
May the light of the newborn Jesus illuminate your lives this Christmas and dispel the darkness and fear from your paths.
May God bless you and your family with a healthy and peaceful Christmas.
Reverend Gary
Welcome to Wales Parish Church 