Bring hope to communities

IF he had one wish for Christmas Rev Robert Miller, Rector of Christ Church, Culmore, Muff and St Peters said: "It would be that the local churches bring more hope to their communities".

"Hope is a brilliant word for Christmas!

So many people worry about failing to meet the hopes and expectations of others at Christmas: Often regarding whether they have bought the right present.

"I think we all need some hope: Especially in the current economic season. Do we, can we, believe that things will improve?

Hope is shared by a local church when its members live out the message that God is here. He is not absent and distant. This can be seen volunteering, in giving presents to others in need.

"The coming of Jesus into the world is God keeping his promise. For Hundreds of years the Jews had hoped to see the promise kept: that God would send someone to free them. Simeon summed it up when he saw Jesus and sang: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace†: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel".

"In the Church of Ireland we sing it at the evening prayer service.

"It says to those who sing it God is here and He has kept his promise. For me that gives me hope, God is here with me in the realities of life and He is keeping his promise. Happy Christmas!"

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