Christmas 2021 - Great Joy for All the People
13 October 2021
This year we will be sharing resources and reflections that reflect the inclusive Methodist Church, offering an invitation to every person, no matter where they are on their faith journey, to enter into the joy and hope that the birth of Christ brings to all.
What have you missed during the pandemic? Our aim is to celebrate some of the elements of life that have been sorely lacking over the last while. The vibrancy and emotion that beautiful art can elicit, the warmth and sense of being valued that can come from receiving a card from a friend or neighbour, the joy and meaning that music, Scripture and poetry can bring to life’s challenges and complexities.
Our resources and reflections feature The Nativity, a painting by Dr He Qi, a Chinese artist living in the USA. Weekly digital reflections shared across our social media channels will be based on Luke 2:10:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people”.
Christmas cards
Whether or not church is for you a physical journey or means meeting with others virtually we all know the positive impact of receiving a card from a neighbour. Perhaps there are people in your community who are not able to leave their homes, or others who you think may be feeling lonely? To help you to reconnect we have created packs of cards featuring The Nativity painting and the reading from Luke, which you can personalise with your own message. Order here.
Christmas CD
After the success of last year’s Christmas CD (nearly 20,000 were distributed) we have a new offering this year featuring readings, prayers, Christmas hymns and inspiring stories from as far as the Falkland Islands back home to the work of shopping centre chaplains. You’ll hear from our President and Vice-President, the Revd Sonia Hicks and Barbara Easton, the Secretary of Conference, the Revd Jonathan Hustler and many others too. Order your free CD here (and maybe one for someone you know who would appreciate it too).
Nativity poster
Finally, if your church notice board needs enriching why not order a poster featuring The Nativity painting which will offer to all who see it the vibrancy and hope of Christmas.