Happy New Year

Today is Advent Sunday, the first day of the Christian Church's year.

It is also the start of Advent, the season leading towards Christmas, so those shops and individuals who already have Christmas decorations up are no longer officially jumping the gun, although the church operates on the basis of a gradual build-up to Christmas and doesn't attempt to operate a full-on round of carols, cribs and Christingles for the full four weeks of Advent.

I will post a Christmas message later in the month as we move from the season of Advent to that of Christmas, but I hope everyone reading this has time and opportunity to make ready to make the most of the season, whether it is just a holiday to you, an opportunity to be with those you love, or whether you celebrate Christmas as the festival of the birth of the baby Jesus.



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