Another year and another Carols Service is done and dusted!
For me, I loved the music and how the whole service came together focused of Jesus, the light of the world. I loved the Bible readings and message, the decorating, the choir, the feast afterwards, seeing all the new faces of family and friends. There was so much to be thankful to God for this year!
But without a doubt the biggest highlight was to see so many people joyfully serving together using their various gifts and opportunities. The outcome of which was that we might praise God for the gift of his Son and share that gift with friends and family. Across the whole spectrum of things that needed to be done, Carols was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ serving wholeheartedly so that we might make much of Jesus. Praise God for this!
There are so many people who contributed in a multitude of ways, too many to mention individually. But to you all I want to say that I thank God for you and your service last weekend.
Our theme for 2023 has been 'be part of someone's story' as we've pushed ourselves to grow in our willingness and ability to invite people to come and hear the good news of Jesus. In many ways Carols was a great climax for our year and answer to our prayers.
But we don't want to end things there! There are still many opportunities to be sharing the good news with friends and family over the Summer.
If you invited guests to Carols, have you thought about what the next steps might be in leading them to Christ? Could it be an invite to church? Or a meal with your City on a Hill family? Could the Summer series be another chance for them to get to know Jesus a little better? How can you keep praying for them?
As the elderly Simeon meets Baby Jesus in the temple, he knows how precious a gift God has given.
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32)
In Jesus we have God's salvation for the world. What a special privilege we have to serve together as we share this gift to those around us!
Grace & peace,
Andrew