On Christmas Day our joint service at Market Drayton was a joyful party celebration with carols,
prayers, an hilarious rendition of Twelve Days of Christmas and balloons galore.
Our Sunday service at Ashley was led by Michael Shingler. After our opening hymn, As with
gladness men of old, Mike gave thanks in prayer for the gift of Jesus to all mankind. Pam read from
Luke 2, an account of the shepherds learning of the Messiah’s birth, and Sue read from Matthew 24,
no one knows the day and hour. Then Mike prayed for our strife ridden world.
We listened to a song, Christmas Eve at Bethlehem, before Mike meditated on Christ’s second
coming. Will we recognise him, maybe in a person seeking help from us? The shepherds and wise
men recognised God in the Christ child. Are we ready? Have we followed his teaching? The
world will change dramatically. It is our responsibility to tell people about Jesus so they can be
ready for him. As a new year begins we must extend the love of Jesus through our care for others.
Mike prayed for help from the Holy Spirit and we sang Go tell it on the mountain.
The Second Coming
