Neil's blog

Our youtube film is being watched by people all around the world as people pass the word, “Watch his!” If you’ve not seen it or encouraged others to watch it, view it on

http://www.youtube.com/user/FullOnArt

Yesterday, in our morning service, those who braved the wintry weather, enjoyed a treat in the musical, ‘Journativity’, adults & kids combining to present the story of Jesus journey to be with us & his invitation to journey every day with him. It was fun to see miniatures of the characters found in our short film, ‘Journativity’, appear on stage: arctic explorer, space-man, solo yachtswoman, & pirate (not in the film). The cute factor was big as the kids played all the characters while adults sang & danced to the songs.

Not a huge number of folk have responded to my ‘Jesus Puzzle’ challenge, but those who’ve snapped themselves & situations with the ‘Jesus’ puzzle have been imaginative. I’ve posted a favourite, taken by Mark McIntee at his paramedic work (great to see his mates up for it!!!), it shows a defibrillator, ready for action, a great example of where Jesus is at; but just as real & meaningful is the presence of Jesus with you in your kitchen making the Christmas dinner, washing the loo, or treading your way to work. If we were to appreciate more the truth that Jesus is literally with us ‘everywhere’ we go, wouldn’t our living be the better?

I challenge us, in response to God’s stupendous generosity to us in Christ, to prove God’s daily presence in Christ, by thinking of & praying for someone whom we can go ‘out of our way’ to get alongside & encourage. It may be someone at work, school, college, play, next door, even someone we can’t stand; whoever, let’s find a way to truly bless them with God’s Grace! This is where the rubber hits the road. If all we get out of the Journativity film or play, & Christmas, are furry feelings, then we’ve missed the point, which is God come to both save & change us to reflect God’s love in the way we treat others (not just our ane folk!). So who will you especially bless this Christmas week? What people do you intend to bless in the New Year, proving Christmas hasn’t just left you with weight to lose, but a responsibility you’re inspired by the living Christ to take up.

By the way, do get your ‘Jesus Puzzle’ photos in to me by Friday 25th Dec’, thanks! I’ll put them together for a show on Sunday & maybe even on the web site. And if I don’t see you around Christmas, God’s Best to you & yours, Happy Christmas!