Writing from the Rectory – December 2025

Christmas can be a magical time of year with children’s excitement, decorations and family gatherings. The reality is often messier with overcrowding, overindulgence and overspending. Christmas is a difficult time for many with tensions running high and people struggling to cope.

So what is the real reason for the season?

Jesus’ birth is an historical fact with an overwhelming amount of evidence to confirm it, described by C.S. Lewis, (author The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe), as the central event in human history. In the beginning, the world existed only in the mind of God. It had no matter, was hidden, dark, unknown. The Holy Spirit hovered and through only the power of words there was a big bang and it was created. In the birth story of Jesus Christ, the form of God was hidden, dark and unknown. The Holy Spirit hovered over the Virgin Mary, and she conceived in her womb. Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe. Choose your miracle. [ Glen Scrivener]

Jesus’ birth represented a system reset for a world gone wrong through mankind’s viral determination to play God.

Wise men were told several times to find an eating trough, a manger. Shepherds found him wrapped in swaddling bands thus prophesying his role as the flawless lamb prepared for sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem which means town of bread. He describes himself as the bread of life. He invites us to feed on him.
Have you ever thought that Christmas is all about eating bread rather than Turkey and Christmas pudding?! The Mass of Jesus Christ, Christ-mass, is about celebrating the real historical man whose name means the Messiah who saves. Saves from what? The impact of past abuses, our lack of freedom, our sense of guilt, despair, injustice, lack of identity.

New research from The Quiet Revival Report (biblesociety.org) confirms that GenZ is driving a surprising surge in church attendance across England and Wales. Attendance among 18-24-year-olds has quadrupled in the past six years reversing decades of decline. Find out how you can discover your true identity, purpose and value by signing up to the latest Alpha course starting January 9 at the Salvation Army on Station Road from 6:45 pm.

In the meantime, we would love to welcome you to one of our services over the Christmas period – See our Christmas Services for more details.

May you know peace and joy this Christmas,

Revd Andrew.

Forthcoming events in the Gainsborough Benefice of All Saints’ and St Gregory’s:

• 21 Dec Carols by Candlelight, 6.30pm, St Gregory’s Church
• 24 Dec Christingle, 3.30pm All Saints’ Church, 11pm Midnight Mass St Gregory’s
• 25th Dec 8am Said Communion, All Saints’ 10am Family Communion both All Saints’ and St Gregory’s