- Jim Etherton
The Star of Christmas
Christmas decorations can speak to us of Jesus – think about them as you decorate your tree. A star led the wise men to Jesus. An angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. A candy cane is in the shape of a letter J for Jesus. Christmas lights remind us that Jesus said “I am the light of the world”.
The tradition of giving Christmas presents is sometimes said to originate from the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus – gold, frankincense and myrrh. So, as we give and receive gifts, we can remember that also. We have a Christmas gift for you: come to our stall at the Christmas market on Thursday 6th December to receive your free gift!
Two thousand years ago, when Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn. So, Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid him in an animal feeding trough (known as a manger).
Jesus spent much of his earthly life among people who questioned where he came from and who he was. In the end, they decided that there was no room for him in their lives and had him executed on a Roman Cross.
Jesus is the true star of Christmas, which is a celebration of his birth. However, many people choose to leave Jesus out altogether. Will you make room for Jesus in your Christmas celebrations this year?
A great way to make room for Jesus in your Christmas is with the words of our traditional Christmas carols – which speak so much about Jesus’ birth and why he was born. You would be very welcome to come and celebrate Christmas with us at any of our carol services. We will be singing familiar Christmas carols and remembering the true star of Christmas together. Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served after the Sunday carol services.
Carol Services at Hartley Wintney Baptist Church
Sunday 16th December 6:30pm Sunday 23rd December 10:30am Christmas Morning 10:00am
Find us on the High Street (at the golf course end).