January 1st
On 1st Sunday of Christmas, we celebrate with the Holy Family as they offer Jesus to the Lord as their first born. We pray for all babies born today and for their families that they may grow in safety and security and ‘in the knowledge of the Lord’. We also pray for Archbishop Cranmer C of E Primary Academy, Aslockton and La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico
December 31st
John Wyclif: Today we recall the life of one of the churches great reformers. We thank God for the vision we have to Grow Disciples and for the year ahead as we seek to introduce new people to Jesus Christ as our Lord. We also pray for The Diocese of Omu-Aran – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) (Kwara Province)
December 30th
The first ‘quiet day’ of the week, with no feast day. Take a few minutes today to be thankful for things that can be celebrated from the last week. We remember those who have not been able to see family and friends as they have been caring for others and serving in the emergency services. We also pray for The Diocese of Olympia – The Episcopal Church (VIII (8) Province)
December 29th
St Thomas Becket, Martyr: Today, we commemorate another martyr. We give thanks for Thomas’s gift of faith and pray for Justin, his successor. We pray for The Diocese of Olo – The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (Western Equatoria Province)
December 28th
The Holy Innocents: This sombre commemoration of the death of the young is a sharp counterpoint to the celebration of new birth. Please pray today for those who are victims of aggression. The Diocese of Oleh – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) (Bendel Province)
December 27th
On St John's Day, Apostle and Evangelist: ‘The Word was made Flesh and Dwelt Among Us’. With these words John acclaims, the Incarnation of God and Man. Today, we are thankful for John’s gift and for all evangelists in the Church. Pray for Christians in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement. We also pray for the Diocese of Okrika – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) (Niger Delta Province)
December 26th
Today, on St Stephen's Day, Deacon, First Martyr, we recall the first Christian martyr. Someone will lose their life today because they proclaim Christ. In the midst of celebrations, take a moment today to reflect upon this and pray for those who do not count the cost in being a sacrificial offering. We also pray for the Diocese of Oklahoma – The Episcopal Church (VII (7) Province)
The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, Rt Revd Paul Williams, delivered his Christmas Sermon at the Midnight Service in the Cathedral Church of Southwell Minister
We are now just minutes away from Christmas Morning, but how would it be if we heard that at short notice Christmas had been cancelled this year. In the Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe, Mr Tumnus said to Lucy, “It is always winter in Narnia and has been for ever so long…always winter but never Christmas.” Can you imagine the dark nights closing in and the bitter cold of winter without the celebration of Christmas? C S Lewis understood what an unbearable
December 25th
On Christmas Day, the greatest birth in history is celebrated today. We pray for all Christians across the world with whom we have links as the Saviour of the world is acclaimed. O Come Let Us Adore Him! Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of Bethlehem. We also pray for The Anglican Church of Melanesia.
December 24th
On Christmas Eve as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we pray for ourselves that we might invite Him to be born again in us as we Grow as Disciples. We also pray for the Diocese of Okinawa – The Nippon Sei Ko Kai.