CHRISTMAS - 2000 YEARS AGO, 200 YEARS AGO AND THIS YEAR - IN NEW ZEALAND
These trees are called pohutukawa and are affectionately referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree. They are called this because they bear masses of flowers that are bright red with a yellow touch on the end of each bloom. They make a stunning seasonal display every year but are usually over by mid December. So this year being late they are beautifully covering the shores and slopes of the hills that drop down to the sea.
Also Linda and I have been on the receiving end of a well orchestrated plot over the last two months involving many friends around the world who clubbed together and have given us a very generous gift to bless and encourage us. Our friends in the UK 'skyped' us and announced that they had some good news to give us which would bring us great joy! It certainly was a huge blessing and a great encouragement to us. We don't know who was party to this collection so if you are reading this and you were. Then thank you so much. There was obviously a lot of joy in the planning of this gift as well as in the receiving of it.
This brings me to the other good news which brings great joy to all men. The Christmas message itself is really good news of the joyful plan in God's heart. He sends his son into our world to bring us, like lost and orphaned children back home to him. He sent angels to announce this news. This is really tidings of great joy.

I have the privilege too on the first Sunday after Christmas to preach in a little church on the coast of New Zealand surrounded like Marsden by pohutukawa trees, and I'm going to preach on the same verse. I do like a sense of history! A joy-filled and blessed Christmas to you too.
We appreciate how cultures are upheld as they act as decorations to a Country. Looking forward to attend Australian National day for an exquisit experience of their culture.
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