So here we are. On the eve of another Christmas.

Christ-mass.

When we who seek to honour the call towards a different kind of kingdom-making. We invite you to join us around the table groaning with good things.

There will be a time for protest, for cries of justice, for silence, for lament – but tomorrow, we feast together.

So tonight, our waiting is almost over.

How will you mark your Christmas eve? For many, it is the gathering in of family, the return home, the pumping up of air beds. Some will take themselves to church or chapel later, but many will not.

Some will be alone. I wish it were not so, but communality is not a gift for everyone.

Gathered or not, I offer you, this Christ-mass, this simple reminder.

We participate in the practive of Immanuel.

As our last offer of this advent season, we offer you another poetry podcast – particularly for those of you who have space today that you need to deepen.

This is a recording Chris did a couple of days ago with two poets – Ali Matthew and Mark Berry. It was an exploration of Christmas through poetry and the discussion went places that you might not immediately expect.