December letter 2025

Dear Friends

Have you ever written a poem or a song? Maybe to express your joy at a wonderful turn of events. Maybe to express your sorrow at time of grief. I have heard many poems read out at funerals by grateful daughters, sons, or (more likely) grandchildren. They want to express their heartfelt thoughts at such a life-changing moment.

In the Bible’s account of the first Christmas, several people wrote a song at a life-changing moment. They found themselves being main witnesses of Jesus’ arrival on earth, and they wanted to express their surprise, their delight, their wonder at the wonder of God’s choosing to visit them. The songs would not have been folk or 12-bar blues. The style of the time was more the wobbly piercing chant of a Middle Eastern priest. And their songs were saved and written down by Luke. We are hearing from them this month, on Sunday mornings.

Image courtesy of Mark Chipperfield

First up: Mary was stunned when she was told by God’s messenger that she would give birth to God’s anointed King for all time. Her shock became awe and delight. She wrote a song:

‘My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant…’

Second: Zechariah was astonished to be told that he would have a son, who would be called for a special job. His son would be the long-promised forerunner, to announce the arrival of God’s anointed King for all time. He wrote a song:

‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people….’

Third: the heavenly angels invited the hillside shepherds to meet the newborn Saviour King. The invitation was completed with a song:

‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace……’

Fourth: Simeon was an old man who had waited for a long time. God had told him that before he died, he would meet the world’s Saviour. When Mary and Joseph brought their baby into the Jerusalem temple for dedication, Simeon saw them, greeted them, and sang this song:

‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your Salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people Israel……’

During the Sundays of Advent and Christmas, we are hearing from these songs. You may be relieved to know that I won’t be singing them. But I will be preaching through them.

If you want to be helped in your deeper appreciation of the meaning of the first Christmas, come to church and hear the Word.

You will be also be most welcome at any of our special Christmas services.

A very happy Christmas to you all.

Rob