Christmas 2020 will be so different for many of us. The very first in recent history in which there has been a global pandemic. Whatever the tier in terms of keeping safe and socially distant, it will be a masked one too… I wonder if the Salvation Army band will be out this Christmas on my local high street, braving the winter chill?
As a local Pastor, the challenge for me and other ministers in our season of song and sprouts, will be limited, pretty restricted as we must join with others to follow guidelines and protocols on keeping our community safe yet connected in love and hope.
Yet I remind myself that Christmas is always about hope regardless of the hostility of life around us. Our Lord Jesus was also born in a time of upheaval and uncertainty, against the background of tyranny of an oppressive government and religious dogma, the one who will be Saviour was born in that lowly stable.
The incredible work of ACT has continued despite a very challenging year. The work did not stop, it took on another dimension. As I like to say, hope cannot be on lock down, neither is there a curfew on hope!
As a Trustee of ACT, my colleagues on the board with the staff, volunteers, and a myriad of partners across 8 African nations continue to serve, give, and HOPE.
The families, children, widows, and communities that as supporters you give to generously will not be distant from your care and love this Christmas.
This Christmas I will do some reading, catching up on the many blogs on the ACT website, in-between mouthfuls of minced pies and warm apple cider in my favourite mug. (I encourage you to read and read again some of those inspiring stories, on the blog page of our website as you reflect on 2020).
This Christmas, you can make a difference. Share the joy with disadvantaged children and widows in Africa.
Please give by shopping through Give As You Live and AmazonSmile as you will be sending them a gift at no extra cost to you, free of charge. Read more about it here.
