Knockdrocket

                                                                                                                 Clarebrand

                                                                                                                 Castle Douglas

                                                                                                                 DG7 3AH

Hello Everyone,

I think it goes without saying that at this time of the year most people are in some sort of a countdown to Christmas.  Harvest time is over, halloween has passed and so has remembrance-tide for this year, though I think it is true that those who serve their country and others in places near and far away are never far from our thoughts.  However, it is Christmas that we are now set to focus upon for the next few weeks, and that no doubt means shopping and baking and wrapping presents and writing cards as well as attending carol concerts and services at school and at church.  And all these things I love.

I am very privileged to be involved with four schools at the moment, each of which has its own Christmas presentation and end of term event, and I give thanks for them all.  But as we become engrossed in the task of preparing to celebrate the Saviour’s birth let’s also try to take a quiet moment amongst the noise and clamour around us to give thanks for this special gift that God gives to us.  The special gift of His Son that shows just how much God loves us.

Some people find it difficult to accept a gift if they have nothing to give in return.  Perhaps we can help others to realise that they need not give anything in return, not anything elaborate and costly anyway.  All they need to do is to love God and accept the gift of his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The Guild are looking at the theme of “Walking humbly with God” for this session, and what better way to start walking humbly with God than to accept the gift he gives and celebrate the Saviour this Christmas time.

I hope your preparations for Christmas go well and I also hope that you get an opportunity to enjoy the carols and listen to the Christmas story once again, so that we are reminded of the everlasting love of God for each and every one of us.

Allister and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Yours, in His name,

Sally Russell

Minister