Built in 1824, standing strong in 2024:  200 years of Village Worship, built on 2000 years of Christian Faith

Ervie-Kirkcolm Church

Church Road, Kirkcolm, Stranraer, DG9 0NW   |   Registered Charity No: SC003122

Thought for December 2024

Candle behind bible and heart

Coming Home

“At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home.” Zephaniah 3:20a

Advent is here. A season of anticipation and delight. A sense of renewal; the messages ringing out of Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.
But for many it’s not like that. Anxiety and loneliness fill many hearts. Even for those of us caught up in the festivities things can seem flat and empty, and it is a struggle to find energy and enthusiasm, or even belief.
If only there was a means to cling to some comfort and to find the strength to carry on?
Well, there is. Long before the birth of Jesus it was predicted that, out of Bethlehem, would come a ruler, one to care and shepherd his flock, a saviour that would become the core of peace in our hearts. (Micah 5:2-5a)
Have you ever seen the devastation of a small child who has lost their favourite soft toy? Nothing will calm their tears until the beloved object is cradled safely once again in their arms. It is, to them, a subconscious symbol of their safety that, no matter what else may happen, or wherever they happen to be, having that comforting presence reminds them of a sense of contentment. It is their portable “Home”.
We, as adults, do not grow out of a need for our own comfort and safety. We often long for peace and wholeness. We long to “Come Home”, where we can find a refuge and sense of belonging.
And, in Christ’s love, we find our true home. Living in Christ, we can stop searching for identity and self-worth, because we are made whole and full. He is more powerful than our sorrows and anxieties. Our personhood, our home, comes from the fact of Christ residing within us, “Both He in me, and I in Him” (Anne Ortland).

“In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear”
“My Saviour has my treasure, and he will walk with me.”

These are the beautiful first and last lines of the hymn by A.L. Waring.
I wish you all a peaceful, loving and joyful homecoming this Christmas Season, full of the blessings of coming home to Christ.
AMEN