Page 3 - Grace Mail December 2021

Some would have us feel shame for this, perhaps we're even hard on ourselves when we don't do the things we think we should do or are expected to do. But is integrity about doing what others think is right, or doing what God thinks is right and true and good?
Several times in Jesus' story we read about how He overturned the law and showed us a new way. And here, right at the beginning of His earthly life, before He had even been born, His earthly father does the same thing. The law allowed, even expected, that Joseph could end his commitment to Mary. But instead, Joseph listened, through a dream, and did what God knew to be right and true and good, giving Mary, and Jesus a family and a home, after a time of exile.
Perhaps, when it says there is a way that seems right but it leads to death, it might mean that we can respond based on law, based on others' expectations, based on what seems right, but that rigid and inflexible approach will actually cause harm.
Instead, if we act with Christ-like integrity, like Joseph, we can have compassion and embrace one another with grace. If our integrity looks like this, then I think we've done well.
As you make your own Advent journey we pray that you will again discover, or perhaps explore for the first time, all the ways in which God-with-us invites you to join in, and find comfort and joy this Christmas.
Every blessing,
Lynne and Darren.
Darren and Lynne are ‘on sick’ for the next few weeks. Let’s keep them and their family in our prayers.
Please contact Corps Secretary Michelle Bradley if necessary on 01724 764675 after 6pm. Thankyou.
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