24/12/2023
Dear, dear friends, family, neighbours and colleagues,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2023
A few years ago, Seb & I were at a mega impressive, world famous ancient site (I'm too embarrassed to say which one) but we were aware that it was wasted on us. We didn't know what we were looking at, what it meant, or any sort of context. So we had a superficial admiration, but left unmoved. If we'd had a travel guide or some explanation as to what we were looking at, we would have had a much richer understanding, and a far better experience.
So it is with most people's experience of Christianity. They may see something of the over-familiar Christmas story, and enjoy a few sentimental traditions, but leave lastingly unmoved. The full message is hidden in plain sight.
Over the last few years some amazing people and leaders have joined us at River Church in Weycroft Hall and together we have tried to be travel guides. We humbly try to show seekers the awe-inspiring treasures that we've discovered, and let them impact people for themselves. This is a far cry from the pious, irrelevant, boring, plainly wrong, religious Churchianity that I grew up with. Sorry!
And what a privilege it is! We see Jesus healing & restoring people's lives before our very eyes. We see people experience the overwhelming love Father has for them, touch into the power of the Holy Spirit, and begin a real relationship with Jesus, the one who came to make God known. Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!
We want to bless you this Christmas. We want you, and those you love, to do well and to be well, to radiate with joy in your inner person! We want to wish you the best Christmas ever. And if you need a travel guide... just, very humbly, sayin' 😉!
With so much love for a wonderfully Happy Christmas & every blessing from us for the best year to come,
Vince (& Clio, Charis, Seb & James!) ###xx
