Team Rector’s Letter December 2020
The Christian Church has been celebrating Christmas for many years.
The nature of the way we have celebrated has varied over the centuries, and the traditions have been different for different communities and cultures. At the heart of each one of them is the remembrance of the Christ-Child, born into the mess and muddle of human existence. God made man, God with us, Emmanuel.
So I can’t agree with those who argue that Christmas is Cancelled this year. The Truth of Christmas can continue to be held in our hearts and in our homes, even though we cannot keep with our usual traditions.
At St James Church North Cray, things won’t be the same as in other years, but we are determined to have the church building beautifully decorated and our Christmas Crib figures carefully placed, and (regulations permitting), we hope to have the church open for either Public worship or private prayer, on Sunday 20 December from 3pm to 5pm and on Christmas morning at 10am.
We can’t have our usual packed Crib Service on Christmas Eve, but if you come to the churchyard anytime, on any day from Saturday 19 December, you will be able to join in with the Christmas Trail we are running jointly with the other three churches in the Bexley Team. There will be a simple Christmas Activity for you to join in with.
May you enjoy a very special and blessed Christmas!
Reverend Ren Harding (Team Rector)
contact me at Joydens Wood Vicarage,
6 Tile Kiln Lane, Joydens Wood, Bexley, DA5 2BB
01322-528923 renharding@hotmail.co.uk