As we continue our six weeks journey, we continue to look beyond the tinsel and turkey and remember that Christmas starts with Christ.
Sunday 7 December
This week we are looking at the difference one person can make. Whether it be donating a tin of beans to a food bank, a pair of socks to a homeless shelter or giving a smile to a stranger, we are all able to make a difference.
Monday 8 December
‘Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40 (The Message)
Our prayer for you this week
This week, we pray that you can find small things that you can do to help make a difference to others.
If you are looking for inspiration, don’t forget you can donate to the food bank here at St Matthew’s every Saturday morning. If you are able to give a little more, why not see how you can help The Wellspring, the charity for homeless people in Stockport, particularly with their Rucksack Appeal?
Tuesday 9 December
Another name for Jesus is ‘Emmanuel’, which means ‘God with us’. This poems looks at His life among us and the impact His life had on the world.
One Solitary Life
He was born in an obscure village
The child of a peasant woman
He grew up in another obscure village
Where he worked in a carpenter shop
Until he was thirty when public opinion turned against him
He never wrote a book
He never held an office
He never went to college
He never visited a big city
He never travelled more than two hundred miles
From the place where he was born
He did none of the things
Usually associated with greatness
He had no credentials but himself
He was only thirty three
His friends ran away
One of them denied him
He was turned over to his enemies
And went through the mockery of a trial
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves
While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing
The only property he had on earth
When he was dead
He was laid in a borrowed grave
Through the pity of a friend
Nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race
And the leader of mankind's progress
All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that ever reigned put together
Have not affected the life of mankind on earth
As powerfully as that one solitary life
Dr James Allan Francis © 1926.
For a reminder of the amazing story of Christmas, enjoy watching the video A Social Network Christmas, the Christmas story re-told using social media. Please note that we are not responsible for the content of external sites.
Wednesday 10 December
Thursday 11 December
Friday 12 December
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
John 21:17 (New Living Translation)
We are open tomorrow morning for our Saturday Café, where you are welcome to donate tinned or packaged food, toiletries, etc, to the local food bank. We collect your kind donations and take them to Chelwood Foodbank Plus. Feel free to stop for a nice cup of tea and a chat.
Saturday 13 December
‘No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.’ Aesop, Greek Fable Writer
Have you ever done a ‘random act of kindness?’ Share it with us by writing a comment through our Contact Us page.