I think you have forgotten somebody - yourself! It may sound selfish to treat yourself this Christmas, but the present I'm going to suggest you'd like is something you'd receive in order that you can give with a full heart.

This is no gimmick. This is no escape into the world of Christmas cards, where the village choir is dressed up, standing in the snow, singing carols with handheld lanterns, and all is sweetness and light.

The scene they never show on a Christmas card is that of the baby Jesus and his family hounded out of Israel by a jealous king Herod and his troops, killing children on the way.

You see, the hope that springs up in you and in me from time to time is often crushed, bullied and intimidated out of us. But God wants to strengthen you against all the Herods of this world.

The Church doesn't exist for God's sake, as if he needed our help. It doesn't even exist just for members who go week by week. It exists for you. The church in Ashtead exists (as do all other churches) for your benefit so that God may meet with you and give to you. One thing is true I know… he who created you loves you.

"God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus Christ" (John 3:16).

So, go on… come to church and give yourself a treat this Christmas. God knows you deserve it!