Dear Friends
As I have been travelling around the Synod this Advent, I have been reflecting on the theme of ‘Pioneering’. This is, in part, because it is a ’hot topic’ within the United Reformed Church, especially in the light of the Church Life Review, and its encouragement to us to think about new URC communities of discipleship and worship.
It also seems to me to be a theme that emerges from the Advent readings, with its focus on the prophets and on John the Baptist, all of whom in their own time could be regarded as ‘pioneering’. By this, I mean they were actively looking for a break with the past, were intentionally looking for the new things God was doing and were not afraid to stand out in the crowd as they lived out their calling. 
As we now draw close to Christmas itself, it seems to me that we might aspire to have something of that pioneering spirit, albeit at a time of year when traditions run very powerfully through all we do.
Is there not something about the story of the Incarnation which encourages us to experience the coming of God into the world as if for the first time?
To be asking, even as we hear the Oh-so-familiar story, what new things God is already doing in our midst, to show forth his redeeming love?
And to ask in what new ways we might be called to join in with the work of Emmanuel, God with us, in bringing Good News to earth?
Every Blessing
Rev Jamie Kissack
Image: Sheffield Cathedral ‘Steel Nativity’ by Brian Fell