Paul writes : December 2009

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Dear Friends,

“How will we recognise you?” was the question I was asked when I was planning to meet someone I had not met for 41 years. Although I felt like answering with the cliché that I would be wearing a carnation with a newspaper under my left arm under the clock at the service station, I pointed them towards a photo on the Church website! It worked!

“How will we recognise the Messiah?” was a question the Jews asked one another as they eagerly awaited the one promised by God. The answer was to look at the images of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Together they provided a photofit from which the Messiah could be identified.

During Advent we shall look at some of the images of the Messiah as he is described as prophet, priest, king, son of man and servant in the Old Testament. Putting these images together I hope that we will be able to recognise that Jesus was the Messiah. The New Testament refers to these images in seeking to provide the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah (we use the Greek term, Christ) and saviour of the world. It is evidence that requires our consideration and a verdict as to who we believe Jesus really is.

As you read this, you may still be uncertain about the identity of Jesus and the relevance of Jesus to your lives. If you are, I invite you to join our Alpha course in January. It is an internationally renowned course which presents the basics of Christianity and, in a small group setting, offers the opportunity for you to ask your questions. If you would like to join this course, please email the office (kmc.office@zen.co.uk) and we will pass your details onto the course leaders, Rosemary and Martyn Johnson.

Others may want to explore the scriptures and read the gospels to gain an understanding of Jesus. Many people have not read them since school or Junior Church. In a modern translation, the story comes to life and is a great read. There are bible reading notes and books on the bookstall to help you (now sited in the community centre entrance and in room 3). We also have copies of “Why Christmas” which you may take away and read. If you have lapsed from a pattern of reading the Bible daily, now is a good time to begin again as we prepare for Christmas.

Part of the emphasis of KMC is to make Christ known in relevant ways. One exciting project which began in September is “Open the Book”. This is a series of assemblies which takes the children through the Bible and gives them an exciting insight into the story of God’s plan of salvation. Thank you to those who have prepared the various “props.” We have a dedicated team of people who, each Monday afternoon, are going into Manor Park. We really need some more people to join the team. It is a commitment, but if you are able to go onto a rota that would help us in this vital ministry. Please speak to Gill Morrison, phone or send an email to the office, if you feel called to this work. We hope to extend it to other schools in the future.

The message of Advent not only helps us to recognise Jesus, but asks the more important question, “Are we ready to receive him?” I hope that each of us will know him as our Saviour and receive him as Lord of every part of our lives. Invite God in this time of preparation to cleanse you and, by his Holy Spirit, transform you into a disciple so that he can use you to make Jesus known in your families, workplace and community.

Karen and the family join me in wishing you a Happy Christmas.

Love and Prayers,

Paul