Are you able to see loved ones this Christmas and New Year?
We hope so. The festive season can be a special time for getting together, having fun and making memories — with friends and family we often haven't seen for weeks or months.
But here's a question: When did you last speak to God? Will you think about him this Christmas?
There's no 'social distancing' with God. He can hear our quiet prayers and he knows our secret thoughts. In fact, Acts 17 verse 17 says: "God is not far from any one of us".
He also has a heart to comfort us, the power to help, and the ability to never leave us. But maybe you're wondering why you don't experience that? What's gone wrong?
Some people try to win God's favour by 'being good' and maybe making New Year's resolutions to give up this or that. These things may be worth doing anyway — but they won't fix the relationship with God.
Jesus Christ was the only one who could do that. We think of him in that amazing Nativity scene as a baby, which is a lovely picture at Christmas. But his mission was to die on a cross to pay for our sins himself — and bring peace on earth between us and God forever.
Next time you hear the carol 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing', listen out for this line: "Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled". That was Jesus's mission — to fix the relationship we have with God.
Most gifts you see in shops have a price tag.
Forgiveness of sins and peace with God came at a huge price — but Jesus paid it. It's a free gift. We humbly ask God for it — and He'll say "Yes".
When this happens, our relationship with God is restored for eternity. We'll speak to him every day. We know he's there ... listening and answering our prayers in his way.
May we wish you a happy Christmas and New Year. You're always welcome at services at our church in Bank Street. Please see activities at Christmas and church services.
With best wishes to you,
The Leadership Team at Newquay Evangelical Church