Dear Friends

I trust all is well with everybody, and I know it’s not time yet for me to send you they service for Sunday the 27th of December, but it seemed the appropriate time to forward the Christmas Day service; I’m always astounded how time flies and these events catch up with one unawares.

In the past few days, the figures of increased infection for the pandemic have alarmed both government and their scientific advisors. We are now being strongly directed to exercise extreme circumspection in the way we gather for Christmas celebrations, indeed gathering seems to be discouraged as much as possible.

On the bright side, just a few hours ago, I was contacted by Oadby Central Surgery, making known that vaccination will begin on the 22nd of December at the Oadby Racecourse. I have been urged to make an appointment, and am told that my mobile phone will inform me when I should attend. It does seem that the NHS is proceeding at pace.

Wherever we are over the Christmas period, the true celebration, is of the arrival of Jesus the healer. That healing will take place for the whole world in the near future,  and will enable once again the free mixing of all, and indeed, what is called the traditional family Christmas, to take place for many years to come, for those who would not have been with us, had we not exercised caution in 2020.

With this email, I attach the service for Christmas Day 25th December,  at this early opportunity.  The service is in the form of  low level technology, so that those who have access to simple emails may receive it, and may forward it on to our other brothers and sisters whose email addresses I do not have, with minimum effort,  should it be felt appropriate. Now that folk have established a routine for those to whom they forward a copy of the service, I commit the circulation to Blind Carbon Copy. The pdf contains the hymn words, largely from ‘Rejoice & Sing’, so that you may sing along, as I know you do.  Some prayers and the readings for the day, from the Revised Common Lectionary, on which the URC Prayer Handbook is based, are included. Under normal circumstances, I would be with the family, over at Windsor and joining in the local Services over Christmas. Under the present circumstances, my absence is the best gift I can give them this festive season.

May I once again remind you of the very excellent services and devotions which the URC is providing at: https://devotions.urc.org.uk/

Blessings to all, as you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for all you continue to do.

David

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