So, the decorations are coming down, the amazing fairy-tale scenarios of light seen on houses all round our city disappear, and here we are in 2017.

Do we breathe a sigh of relief that all last year’s surprises shocks and disasters, both national and international, are over?  Do we leave behind the sadness of losing so many stars and celebrities?

But then, life goes on. Now it’s traditional at this time to say we must now turn over a new leaf.  But d’you know what? Leaves lose their shine, turn brown and mouldy just like last year’s leaves. Depressing?

Well it would be if we hadn’t an external force to breathe life into what looks like death, to give peace, where there is no peace, to give joy, even in sad circumstances.

To me this force is our Creator God…..who designed planet earth, with all its complexities, its myriad shades of colour, its millions forms of life. To me this is a rescuing God, who saw our need, sent his Son Jesus, to live as a human being and die to pay the penalty for all the degradation, selfishness, hatred, and evil that we cause, and offer in its stead a spiritual harmony, so that we can walk in forgiveness and hand in hand with the Living Jesus.

We may enjoy the fantasy of Star Wars but actually we can embrace the reality of a belief for which persecuted Christians are prepared to die .

No new leaves, but an open hand to receive from God.

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