Lanzarote Relocation

The Anglican Parish of St Laurence in Lanzarote
Newsletter – December 2008

A Message from our Chaplain, the Revd Idris Vaughan
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”

This verse from the wonderful 1st chapter of St John’s Gospel captures the truth about Christmas. The word “dwelt” is the same word  which means “pitch a tent” in Greek.  However this does not imply a temporary camping site with the person moving on the next day.  No, God’s dwelling with us is permanent.  It  implies that God wants to be familiar with us and get close to us.  As in Revelation 21.3 “Behold the dwelling (tent) of God is with men. He will dwell (pitch his tent) with them and they shall be his people”
If someone pitches their tent on your lawn or in your back yard, the likelihood is that they will have to use your bathroom and eat at your table.  This is why God became human. He came to pitch his tent in our human back yard so that we could have lots of interaction with him.

God wants to be seen and known in his Son. He has revealed himself in an utterly unique way by the Incarnation of himself in his Son Jesus. In Jesus we see God. If people want to know what God is like they only need look at Jesus.

God comes to us not in a palace with a wall that divides us from him, but in the stable in someone’s backyard.   He becomes vulnerably human so that we can relate to him and interact with him.

Amidst the wonderful festivities of Christmas, with its colour, music and delicious food,  let us not forget its true meaning. This is best summed up for me in one of the verses of that great poem “Christmas” by John Betjeman.

And is it true? And is it true?
The most tremendous tale of all
Seen in a stained- glass window’s hue
A Baby in an ox’s stall?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a child on earth for me.
Come and worship with us this Christmas and re-discover its true meaning.
May I wish everyone a Blessed and Holy Christmas.
Fr Idris

The Sermon Themes in Advent will be:
30th November:    What do we mean by Healing?
7th December        The Healing Ministry of Jesus
14th December        Anointing and the Laying on of Hands
21stDecember      The Healing Ministry of the Local Church

Our Christmas Services this year

Church Notices

Normal church services in Lanzarote – December 2008

NB:  If you would like prayers for loved ones during intercessions at our Sunday services, please contact Father Idris below.

Our Chaplain is The Reverend Idris Vaughan    contactable on 928 514241, or at Chaplaincy House, Calle Los Sabandenos 37,  35510   Puerto del Carmen

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