The United Church in Rhyl
Christmas 2023 “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, goes the popular song by Eddie Pola and George Wyle, “with the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you be of good cheer…”. The song goes on to highlight other reasons why the festive season is wonderful - friends calling, parties to host, marshmallows to toast, mistletoe-ing, tales of the glories of Christmases long ago and even, scary ghost stories to share. I’m not sure the song gets too much right. I mean, friends calling, and parties and marshmallows are all well and good - and some of us may experience some of that this Christmas. And yet for others the song speaks of a kind of Christmas that may be just not possible this year. Yet the song does get some thing right - Christmas, for Christians, is one of the most wonderful times of year. Truly. Not because of festivities and parties, stories and reminiscing, socialising and present giving - but the opportunity to be amazed, wonder and delight in the truth that God chose to come and live among us, sending his Son Jesus Christ into the world. This is the moment when, without a shadow of a doubt, humanity knew that God was love, brings peace, joy, salvation and hope. If there was ever a year when we needed reminding of God’s wonderful presence amongst us, it may well be this year. And so, it gives me pleasure to encourage to you to engage with the activities that are taking place at the United Church in Rhyl this Advent and Christmas all the details you need are here. Please use this booklet in three ways. First, consider which of these things are going to be the right things for you to come to. Second, use this booklet as a prayer guide - do pray for the life of the church, especially the things you may not be able or wish to get to yourself. Third, consider which of these activities your friends, neighbours and family need to know about and come along to. Come. Pray. Invite. My hope and prayer is that this Christmas you encounter the presence of God, are able to rest in his love and know the grace of Christ. If you do, it really will be ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’ With every blessing in Christ,
Rev. Paul Robinson