Down slippery steps and up hilly climbs,
On dark wet streets at Christmas time.
Walk the people of Noddfa – young and old,
Carrying a message of the greatest story ever told.
A message of Mercy,
A message of Grace,
A message of light to those in a dark place.
Of a God who loves us so much that He sent His Son,
To die in our place so that justice could be done.
And in His resurrection He gives us the power to change,
To live with greater purpose and meaning away from a life of heartache and pain.
Each Christmas card has been posted, sown with tears,
Yet they have often been received by mocking voices and jeers.
But if you believe our message is false and we are here simply by chance,
Why do you exchange gifts at Christmas and sing carols and dance?
Why do you hang decorations and put up a tree?
For none of this behaviour happens naturally.
If there is no God and we are just sentient apes,
Why bother hanging stockings up on your fireplace?
The Christmas lights and tinsel are all well and good,
But without remembering the birth of Jesus,
My friends, Christmas is misunderstood.
For it is only in Christ you can know true joy,
Not in the short-term pleasures of unwrapping that new toy.
For it is only in Christ you can know God’s Fatherly protection,
And receive the gift of eternal life in His Son’s perfection.
Yes Father Christmas is fun, a myth and a game,
But the story of Jesus is true and not quite the same.
Whilst Santa Claus is checking his list and checking it twice,
Jesus gifts you Grace – regardless of whether you have been naughty or nice.
You see the secret to a happy Christmas, one filled with good cheer,
Is to have Jesus at its very centre, we pray that you do not let him disappear.
So when our Christmas card is posted through your door,
I pray you do not use it to line your rabbit hutch floor.
Neither tear it or fold it or chuck it straight in the bin,
Rather take a moment and read the message within.
A personal invite for you to come,
to Noddfa church and celebrate with us the birth of God the Son.
We’ve posted 2,000 of these Christmas cards across our valley with love.
2,000 Christmas cards containing a message of peace from God above.
We’ve posted in the cold and the rain and the dark,
so you can have an invite to Carols Under the Arch.
We hope to see you there!
6pm Sunday 23rd December 2018!
The Big Arch Abersychan.
(I know the last bit did not rhyme).
Grace Grit and Gumption 
Pastor John, This is wonderful. God gave you those words, and even if the end bit doesn’t rhyme, it holds the message loud and clear. I love it. He has greatly gifted you. I pray that many many people will come to join you at The Big Arch on the 23rd. JOYOUS CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL IN NODDFA CHURCH. MAY YOU KNOW HIS PRESENCE POWERFULLY THIS CHRISTMAS AND THROUGHOUT 2019. GOD BLESS YOU.
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