by Pastor John AE Smith, retired

2016 will surely be remembered by many as the year when so many lives have been lost: through wars and terrorist attacks spanning continents and through tragedy, especially the hundreds of lives lost at sea whilst trying to find freedom in Europe.

2016 will also be remembered by survivors and rescue workers alike as the year of hope and of new life. For new births and for new beginnings.

The Christmas message reminds us of both the loss of life and new births and new beginnings. To give his life for our sakes is the reason that Jesus came.

Dying in our place, Jesus' death allows every person who believes in him to escape the consequences of their sin allowing God to grant each person new life and a new beginning.

We cannot change the events of 2016 but we can change one personal event that will make 2017 a year of change. A change for good. By inviting The Lord Jesus Christ into our lives both as the Lord who reigns and as the King who rules, we can find new life. That one single event of inviting Christ into our lives secures our future forever.

The gift of life is underwritten with a promise from God. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son Jesus, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but HAS eternal life." John 3:16

May you all receive by grace the love, peace and joy that comes from knowing God this Christmas.