Dec: Thoughts from Huw
Dear Friends
We hear the song of the angels In Luke`s Gospel Ch2 v 14; `Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours.`
Once again we are approaching Christmas and Peace is one of the things we always associate with the festive season. Luke Ch 1 v79 tells us that one of the reasons Jesus comes is `to guide our feet into the ways of peace.` These are among some of the loveliest words in the Gospel. Indeed, you could say they sum up the Gospel.
But peace is not merely the absence of war or dissension. It is something deeper and richer. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. Shalom conveys a sense of completeness, a state of perfect well-being.
An essential component of peace is righteousness. Where there is no righteousness, there is no genuine peace. So, as the saying goes `there is no peace for the wicked`!
Peace can exist in the midst of a troubled world. It can exist even in the midst of unresolved problems. It is something so deep that it is independent of outer circumstances.
Peace is a state of inner calm and brings something special to God and with people. Peace in this complete sense, cannot be created by human effort alone. It is a gift of God. It is the gift of Christmas.
God reaches out to us in peace, and wants us to reach out to one another. Peace is God`s gift to us; our gift to God is to make peace with one another. Christmas can help us mend quarrels and heal rifts.
At Christmas God seems to be very close to us and very loving towards us. In his goodness God gives us a taste of the peace that passes all understanding, a peace this world cannot give, a peace no one can take from us.
At Wesley, all our Christmas services will be included in this edition of Wesley News. Come and worship the Prince of Peace.
Just a reminder that our Memorial service to remember loved ones who have died will take place on Wednesday 1st December at 6pm. A warm invitation is extended to you all so please come along to this short service and I will look forward to seeing you and sharing with you.
On an important note, if you want me to call and visit someone, then please get in touch with me .My contact number is 0191 469 2788 or you can email and leave a message on huw.sperring1965@gmail.com.
Hilary, Lucy, Harrison and Elle join in with me in wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
With good wishes and prayers
Huw