Good News!

David Cameron's speech, last week, in which he stated that Britain was a Christian country, has stirred up much debate.
When we were singing carols in the pub on Saturday evening, a fellow who had had too much to drink told me that he would be coming to our Carol Service, because of the Prime Minister's words. But it doesn't seem as though we are in a particularly Christian country when we encounter a lot of ignorance about so much of what Christians believe.
But have you noticed what this year's Christmas stamps have on them?
The second class one shows a stylised angel flying, and in small print, but clearly visible, are the words Matthew 1.21.
Did you know what that verse says?
'And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
 Most people may not know the significance of Christmas, having allowed it to be drowned in the shopping and feasting. But this message is the Good News of Christmas.
This angelic announcement is at the heart of the Christian understanding of why Jesus came into our world. It explains why we need rescuing, and why we can trust Jesus to save us.
And we could make use of this piece of Christian information to talk with friends and neighbours about the 'real meaning' of this wonderful season. That is good news too.
Best wishes,
Richard