In rural communities, the Christmas services are usually full to overflowing. Steeped in annual patterns and traditions, it is a time when the whole community comes together to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the peace, hope and joy of the Gospel message. This message is needed more than ever in a world dominated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
How can we plan when the guidelines may change at the last minute? The world is filled with uncertainty, and like everyone around us, churches are trying to balance ‘business as usual’ with a responsible and Covid-safe approach. This will be a Christmas of mixed emotions, celebrated together and apart, with many facing financial hardships, uncertainty and fear, or mourning the passing of loved ones before their time.