School was out and 10-year-old Charlie was thrilled to be out of London celebrating Christmas in the country. Driving along the winding roads with his mother, he was captivated by the snowy winter landscape. But suddenly the snow got heavy, the visibility turned bad and the car slid out of control, ending up in a ditch. Charlie tried to push while his mother pressed the accelerator, but it was no use. They left the car and walked down the road where they knocked on the door of a little house and asked for help. Flustered, the lady invited them in to use the phone and warm up while she made tea and cookies.

“What’s so special about that?” you’re asking. “Just another everyday event, right?” No. At least, not to the woman who opened the door that day; she’s already told the story hundreds of times. And can you blame her? It’s not everyday the Queen of England and Charles, Prince of Wales turn up on your doorstep!

On a winter’s night over 2000 years ago, the Prince of Peace knocked on our door – and it was no accident. The Bible says it “happened to fulfil the Lord’s message … He will be called Immanuel … God is with us.” Christmas can be a lonely time if you’ve lost your job or your family or your sense of hope and the joy of others can be a painful reminder of what you’ve lost. But you’re not alone. You may feel lonely, but you’re not alone – God is with you. He really is! Believe that, and have a blessed Christmas!

Rev Peter Morphew