As we conclude our series studying the book of Jonah, we see how God’s love and mercy extends to all, whether we like them or not.

Why does God choose Jonah, why does God care about Nineveh? It may be a short book, but Jonah challenges us with a whole lot of questions, and some very uncomfortable answers.

Like the Ninevites we need to see the gap between us and God before we can truly turn to Him as father and saviour.

Jonah is not a story about a fish. It’s about the Resurrection, it’s about life overcoming death, hope overcoming despair.

Nobody is immune to the difficulties of life? As hard as it can be to face the storm of life, seeing the power of God through Christ gives us strength and hope.

When God calls us, why do we find it so hard to say 'yes'? Our lives often feel like they get in the way, or are too complicated to allow us to submit to God's calling. But the good news we see in Jonah is that God never gives up on us.

Although Jesus - Emmanuel - is no longer physically present on the Earth, He has sent His Spirit to be with us. Through the Spirit He guides, strengthens and comforts us.

At Christmas we remember how God's Son came to die for our sins, and therefore opens up the possibility for us to be welcomed as children of God through adoption.

Christmas is an undeniably busy time for everyone! It's important therefore to take a moment to pause and remember that behind all the food, festivities and family memories lies the child born two thousand years ago.

Christmas is the most amazing reminder of the joy and light that God, in Christ, brings to us and to our world. We are so quick to look for 'the next best thing', looking for little sparks of happiness, that we often overlook the lasting joy of Christmas.

God comes to make a home in the heart of all who believe in Him. We are not required to be perfect or to have all the answers, only open and receptive to His Spirit dwelling in us.

Amongst the inevitable ups and downs of life, Christmas is a reminder that God draws alongside us in His Son, Jesus. The joy that He brings is an enduring hope rooted in the everlasting love of the Father.