Rector's Letter

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		The Rector's Christmas Letter

Christmas 2009

The Rector writes:

Dear Friends

Redundancy, unemployment and a bleak future have been the impact of the Credit Crunch for
numerous individuals. Empty shops mark this financial catastrophe in our town centre. Families burdened by mounting money problems signal the widespread consequences of the banking crisis. For many, it is going to be a hard Christmas.

Across a similar dark backdrop for his nation, the prophet Isaiah, centuries ago, gave his people a reason for hope, “Unto us a child is born… and he will be the Prince of Peace.”

Christians understand that these words found their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Surprisingly, it is the baby in the manger in Bethlehem who fits this description.He lives up to the star billing - for he is the Prince of Peace.

Yet this title, the Prince of Peace, is hard won. From his humble birth to his horrendous death, Jesus knows the harshest of human experiences. It is in the darkness that Jesus discovers the brightness of God’s light. When feeling weak, Jesus realises the strength of God’s love. It is through struggle that Jesus finds the depth of God’s peace.

For us, this means that whatever we are facing, Jesus is ready to walk with us. What an offer! What a gift! For through this trustworthy companion, we can find: light in our darkness; strength in our weakness; and a profound peace in our hearts, born of an unshakeable confidence in God.

May you know the Prince of Peace at this Christmas time.

David Tomlinson

Team Rector of Saffron Walden

December 2009/ January 2010 letter

November 2009 letter

October 2009 letter

August/September 2009 letter

July 2009 letter

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