Faith and Society Update - December 2023

Dear Friends

‘It’s beginning to look a lot like busyness’, hang on, I mean Christmas. Yes, it’s that time of year for Christian communities up and down the land. It’s the perennial tension and question – is this the missional opportunity of the year or would Jesus prefer us to become pilgrims along the Advent way and work out in the stillness what his incarnation will mean for us in the coming year?

I do hope you get chance to pause, not least because the Good News of Jesus is really needed and as his hands and feet, we need to share him in the best of ways.

Our December update offers support for the season practically and reflectively and with thoughts for the New Year.

One Advent prayerful reflection you may want to use and include is the invitation to remember all those suffering in the Holy Land this advent and Christmas. In solidarity with churches in the Holy Land, and all who are suffering there because of the recent conflict, we invite our congregations to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ this advent by not lighting the second candle and pray for a lasting peace. Traditionally, the second candle on the advent wreath represents peace, and in some traditions is known as the ‘Bethlehem candle’. Christian sisters and brothers in Bethlehem tell us that this advent and Christmas, the lights in Bethlehem that normally adorn the birthplace of Jesus will remain unlit in memory of those who have died in the current conflict.

This unlit candle mimics the unlit lights of Bethlehem and serves as a constant reminder that we stand in solidarity with all who are suffering there. We do this knowing the central fifth candle, will soon be lit, giving us hope that Christ’s light eternally shines in the darkness.

May you know Christ’s, peace, hope and presence this Advent.

Diane, Hilary, Jane, Mary, Mat, Mike, Paul, Sharon, Steve and Wale
Faith and Society Team

Please click here for the complete Update for December 2023.  If you would like to receive it by email, please subscribe by completing the 'Get regular news updates' form below.