St Columba’s, Queen Street, Nairn, IV12 4AA

RECTOR’S LETTER

Dear friends,

Once again, we are entering into the special time of expectation and preparation, which is the season of Advent.
This year it comes with the added joy that all the things we enjoy in our celebration of this season can happen.
We will have parties to attend, concerts and carols to sing. We will meet friends and family, write cards, go shopping, eat and drink
and everything else that is all part of the chaos of getting ready for this very special time.

We have a number of things happening in the life of the church and there are lots more in the life of our community –
some of which are listed in this Newsletter.
Sadly, the impact of the pandemic, war in Ukraine and the consequential economic pressures and energy
price increases mean that this will be a difficult Christmas for many. The churches, and many others in our community,
are working to provide warm spaces where people can get together for a bit of comfort and mutual support.

There will be more details as plans are finalised and there will be opportunities for those who wish, to be involved.
It does us no harm to recall the story we are celebrating at Christmas, a young family, forced to travel, and then to flee for their lives.

A child born in a stable, poor and vulnerable. Yet this is where God comes to us and shows us how God is with us.
Not in power and authority, or in riches, but in poverty and humility.
We will all enjoy the celebrations to come and, in caring for one another, we live out the true message of Christmas.

With every blessing.

Dean Alison