Dear Friends,

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2: 10)

The events which occurred in Bethlehem some two thousand years ago are perhaps some of the most familiar stories in the Bible. Nativity plays, in churches and schools, will re-enact the story of how the angels proclaim the good news to the shepherds who were looking after their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem.

Can you imagine what a shock it must have been to those ordinary working men (the shepherds) as their quiet nightshift was interrupted by the appearance of an angel? Luke tells us that they were terribly afraid but the angel knew this and his first words were: Do not be afraid. Christians believe that the birth of Jesus brings the end of fear. There are many fears around the world this Christmas – the economy, health, family to name just three. But the message of Christmas is that we need not be afraid.

The angel continues: I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For Christians, the message of Christmas is one of joy that the Saviour of the world has been born. This message of joy, the angels proclaim, is for all the people.

If you want to learn more about the joy of Christmas, we would like to invite you to one of our special Christmas celebrations:

6.30pm – Carols by Candlelight

7pm – An evening of Christmas music with the Romsey Ambassador Choir

4pm – Family Carol Service

10.30am – Christmas Morning Celebration

May we take this opportunity of wishing Baddesley Beadle readers a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you to the Baptist Church at anytime you wish to join us? Details of services are shown on the church notice board.

Yours sincerely,