December  Letter 

Joy to the World
   Dear friends,    
Every Christmas, when we lift our voices to sing “Joy to the World,” something stirs in my heart and I hope in yours too.  Those familiar words — “The Lord is come!” — remind us that joy isn’t just a feeling for a season; it’s the presence of Jesus Himself. He is our joy — God with us, right here in the middle of our ordinary lives.    
Still, I know that for many, this season can be bittersweet. The world feels heavy at times — full of noise, worry, and uncertainty. Some of us are missing loved ones or carrying quiet burdens. And yet, this is exactly where the message of Christmas breaks through. The angels didn’t bring their good news to a perfect world. They came to shepherds in the dark, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people.”    
That same message is for us today. Real joy isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about knowing that even in the struggle, God is near. Jesus came so that we would never have to face life’s challenges alone. He entered the world not as a distant king, but as a child in a manger — humble, close, and full of love.    
If we take a moment to look around, despite the challenges we may face, in our every day lives we can see signs of His joy everywhere. In the sparkle of children’s laughter. In the quiet peace that comes when we pray. In a simple walk in nature. In the kindness of a neighbour or the warmth of a shared meal, or the fun of being together. Joy shows up when we choose gratitude, forgiveness, and hope — when we let God’s love shape the way we see and treat others.    
My prayer this Christmas is that you’ll experience that deep, steady joy — not just for a day, but as a way of living. Let’s share it freely, especially with those who need it most. A simple smile, a visit, a prayer — these small acts can carry the light of Christ into someone’s darkness.    
So, dear friends, may your hearts be filled with the true joy that Jesus brings — a joy that strengthens, comforts, and renews. Let’s welcome Him again with open hearts and voices that sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
— Philippians 4:4  With love and every blessing,
Your Priest Rev Alison Jackson 
2025 Advent Challenge During Advent we can do many things to help us think more closely about the Christmas Story, connecting our lives to that of the birth of Jesus and that very first Christmas.  We may use Advent candles, Advent calendars, Advent Bible Study or we may want to enhance others lives with acts of kindness. Many of us will have already have been buying presents for our loved ones, or thinking about where is the best place to give generously this Christmas. 
I am hopeful that you may consider giving generously of some Christmas food for the Pop-Up shop in Sawbridgeworth – to help families be able to celebrate well this Christmas. 
These are my suggestions:- 
Week 1           We focus on bring soft drinks for that week. 
Week 2           Stuffing, gravy products, cranberry sauce 
Week 3           Christmas puddings, mince pies, Christmas biscuits, toiletries 
All donations need to be in St James church by December 12th to make the bags  that will be given out from the Pop Up shop. 
Alternatively, you may want to make a donation to the Pop Up Shop at:- 
Barclays Bank
  Sort Code 20-36-98 
Account Number 60798029 
Name of account:  Sawbridgeworth Congregational Church 
Use ref:  Pop-Up shop 
This will call us to sacrifice some of our wealth but it will benefit others who are struggling.  St James church is open every day from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm for you to bring food and place in the green box provided, and we will make sure this food gets to the Pop Up Shop.   
Thank you, Rev Alison