A seasonal message from Pastor Jamie Campbell
A couple of years ago this December, advertising agencies Grey and SEK collaborated on an advertising campaign for the 131-year-old Finnish chocolate maker, Fazer. Taking Fazer’s iconic blue wrapping paper, Grey and SEK folded it in the form of a dove specifically, a dove to symbolise peace. And, coming some ten months after Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, it’s no surprise to learn that the advert caught the attention of many.
But, it’s not just Ukraine and Russia that need to find a lasting peace, is it?
A sad and tragic year
At the time of writing (and let’s face it, this paragraph could continue Ad infinitum), Israel’s war in the middle east is spreading. China continues to dispute Taiwanese sovereignty. North Korea and South Korea remain poles apart. The Kurds remain at loggerheads with Turkey. Africa continues to hurt itself, likewise South America. Meanwhile, back in the UK, well, who needs reminding? It has been another sad and tragic year for many different reasons.
So, what’s the solution?
Well, the Bible gives us the answer: the only way to find lasting peace in our lives is by faith in God’s Son, Jesus. We can legislate in Parliament and beef up various arms of State, but none of these institutions have any hope of success until our hearts are radically changed by the peace of God the Saviour.
Which brings us to Christmas
Jesus came into this world with one primary mission in mind; to save His chosen people from their sins and to give them everlasting peace with God the Father. And Jesus is ready to give you His peace this Christmas, if only you’d have the courage and the determination to ask Him.
For sure, it is not easy following Jesus’ commands. The path to everlasting life is a narrow one and as we travel along it, God will deal with our rough edges and selfish attitudes. This refinement will take time. There’s no quick fix. But equally, God in Christ promises to tend to our broken hearts and bind up all who are crushed in spirit.
Peace on earth
In the Gospel According to Luke (Ch. 2, v. 14), the narrative around Jesus’ birth includes that moment when a multitude of angels is seen and heard by shepherds looking after a flock of sheep at night, and as the shepherds watched and listened, the heavenly host praised God by saying; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Peace forever
Will Christmas 2024 be the moment when you humbly praise God the Saviour, Jesus? Giving your praises to Jesus pleases God, and in return, God is pleased to give you His peace—not just in the present, but forever!
Invitation
You will be very welcome to join us for any of our Christmas Services, or on any Sunday at 11.00am and 6.30pm. We look forward to seeing you.
Pastor Jamie
Tel: 07572 951268