Christmas with St. Peter's Church

Dear Friends,

I have been thinking about language and the way that language changes. Over the last couple of years we have had to learn a completely new language. Do you remember the time when you thought a bubble was something that children blew from washing up liquid or bubble gum rather than something that we used to protect ourselves from others. When I was nursing, LFTs were something related to a liver function test blood test, now it is the test that I take at least twice weekly to try and ensure I don’t infect someone with Covid 19.

The language of Christianity has changed over the years. One of the oldest translations of the Bible that we use today is the King James Bible which was first used in 1611. The language may seem old to us today and difficult to read, but this has been the translation of the Bible that many people have used for many years. The language of the Bible and the language of Christianity may have changed over the years, but the message has never changed. That message is one that has been passed down through the ages, it was told from person to person, it was written down and shared and still the message of the Bible is current to us at the end of 2021. Angels are messengers in the Bible, taking a message to Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus. Joseph was also visited by an angel when he had doubts as to what he should do. It was angels that appeared to the shepherds telling them the news that changed history:

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Luke Chapter 2

This Christmas we will be looking at the amazing Christmas story that has been passed down through the ages in a variety of ways, starting with theangels. There will be an angel trail around Yaxley, Advent windows, a blue Christmas service, Christingle, Carol Service, Crib service, Midnight service welcoming Christmas and a service on Christmas Day itself. We will be remembering that Jesus came to be Emmanuel – God with us because of the love of God for us. You are welcome to join us for any of these services and events. We have had to limit numbers and implement a booking system and we will of course be following any Government and Church of England guidance, so please keep an eye on social media.