THE Christmas Day service at Crediton Methodist Church was led by our minister Rev Alison Richardson.

Her theme was “the Shepherds”. The fifth Advent candle was lit depicting Jesus.

In the Bible reading from Luke we heard of the birth of Jesus and how an angel appeared to shepherds in the fields.

The Gospel of Jesus is for rich and poor, educated and uneducated and those who are marginalised. Alison explained that shepherds in those days were marginalised and unwelcome in social circles, yet they were the first people to be chosen to see the baby Jesus. They obeyed the angels and went to Bethlehem and found the Holy Family in a messy stable. God breaks into the mess of our broken relationships, Covid, anti-social behaviours etc. Our Christmas story should make us reflect on behaviours and challenge us to put right the wrongs in our society.

On Sunday, December 27, the Rev Julian Albrow led the service and his theme again was “the Shepherds”.

The family challenge was to provide pictures of sheep and lots of photos were sent in. One of our members was shown shearing sheep some 25 years ago.

Julian spoke of Bethlehem where Abraham had travelled, where Ruth and Boaz lived who were the ancestors of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. The shepherds would have known the history of this little town and the prophecy of Micah. Israel was under the oppression of the Romans and awaiting a Saviour from God.

The angel appeared to the shepherds and told them that the Saviour had arrived. The shepherds left their sheep behind and were the first people to see the baby Jesus in the squalor of the stable.

Julian said that we had heard the message again and asked what our response would be. What would we leave behind? What would we take with us when we visit the Saviour? “If I were a disciple, I would give Him my heart”.

Bronwyn Nott