Dear friends across the Synod

In Luke’s gospel the news of the pregnancies of Elizabeth and Mary and the news of the birth of Jesus is given by angels who declare, ‘Do not be afraid.’ I often wonder if Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds found those words reassuring? I hope they did, even if only after the event. I am sure the sudden presence of a heavenly being could be rather fearful.

Looking round our world there is much of which we have good reason to be fearful – the political situation in Syria, the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and wider uncertainty throughout the Middle East;  the transition to a new government in the USA; the continuing effects of the cost of living crisis; the increasingly unpredictable nature of our weather with more storms and floods as we live in the midst of the climate emergency. Personally, we may feel fearful for ourselves or for family members, fears of approaching older age, of the possibility of illness, of the loss of employment or financial security.  In our churches we are also aware of challenges that may make us fearful for the future – having enough people to fulfil leadership roles, financial stability, the demands of compliance and the needs of older people and buildings.  In the face of these global, personal and church situations the words of the angels hold true, ‘Do not be afraid.’

The angels do not offer an empty promise. The reason for their words is that God is with the recipient of the message. God is with Zechariah, stunned as he is at becoming a father in old age. God is with Mary as she nervously but excitedly waits for the birth of her child. God is with the shepherds as they hurry to Bethlehem to see the newborn baby and God is with us too. Each Christmas we celebrate once again the birth of Jesus into our world and our lives. Jesus - Immanuel - God with us. We experience God with us through every step of life’s journey. Life may not always be easy, and we may experience times when we are fearful of what the future holds for the world, for our own lives, for our churches but in these times let us hear the words of the angels, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2.10-11)

May we each know and experience God with us this Christmas time and may that remove our lingering fears.

Wishing you joy and peace.

Lindsey

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