Christmas 2026 

We have lots on again this Christmas. From Carols and Treats on a Saturday afternoon at Grace, a couple of coffee shop events at Costa Coffee and two Carol Services. So have a look at our programme:

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

What if the best Christmas present isn't under the tree?

The fairy lights are twinkling along Lord Street. The Christmas tree is sparkling outside The Atkinson. The shops are busy, Amazon delivery vans are everywhere, and somewhere in Southport, someone's wondering whether ‘Santa socks’ count as a decent Christmas present!

Yes, Christmas is coming to Southport. Again!

With it comes the shopping, wrapping, cooking, spending and challenge of keeping everyone happy. We love Christmas. Well, most of it! But between the presents, parties and pressure, it's easy to miss what Christmas really celebrates.
The gift you didn't know you needed
Can you remember every present you received last Christmas? Probably not! Unfortunately, some gifts are forgotten, regifted or end up in a charity shop.
But the very first Christmas was about an unforgettable gift that could change your life forever. Surprisingly, it isn't more money, a better job, a perfect family or even a Christmas without arguments – but a free gift from God.
At Christmas, God sent His Son, Jesus, into our world. Not because we'd been particularly good or earned a reward, but because He loves us and knows what we need most.
 

Are you on the naughty list?

 
We'd all like to think we're decent people. We help our neighbours and try to do the right thing. But none of us is perfect. We've all been selfish, hurt others, lied or done things we're not proud of. The Bible calls this sin, and says it separates us from God.
 
Here's the remarkable part – In spite of this, God offers us a fresh start.
 
Rather than leave us without hope, God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us and restore our relationship with Him. Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn't, took the punishment our wrongs deserve by dying on the cross, and rose again, defeating death and promising eternal life to those who trust Him.
The Christmas story tells us: Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
Life isn't always a Christmas advert.

As Nathan, leader of Ignite, Grace's youth club, shares:
“Life can be tough and a struggle at times - particularly over Christmas. There are pressures to spend more than we ought to, with expectations to conform and be swept along by the world. As a Christian, Christmas reminds me why Jesus came - to carry us through the pressures of the world and to consider and be changed by a new message and true power from God”.

Could this Christmas be different?

Perhaps you're happy with life. Perhaps you're struggling. Perhaps you've never given God a second thought. Whatever your circumstances, past record or reputation - God's invitation is for you.
The gift of Jesus isn't something you can buy, deserve or earn. It's offered freely. But like any gift, it needs to be received. You receive it by turning to Jesus, asking His forgiveness and trusting Him with your life.
So, amongst all the presents this Christmas, why not take a closer look at the one that really matters?

Three priceless gifts we can receive this Christmas:

1. Forgiveness. Imagine knowing God has forgiven everything you've ever done wrong. No more guilt hanging over you. No trying to earn God's approval. Just a fresh start, freely given by a loving God.
2. Peace and joy. Not the sort that disappears with the decorations. A deeper peace, knowing you're loved by God, and a lasting joy that life's troubles cannot take away.
3. A forever future in heaven. Christmas doesn't last. Neither do our presents, health or lives. But Jesus promises eternal life with God to those who trust Him. A place of utter peace, perfection, joy and harmony – forevermore.

Difficult to believe or too good to be true?

You’re not alone. At Grace, you’ll find someone just like you - living in Southport, happy to show and share their story of how knowing Jesus has transformed them and their lives. No pressure, no perfect people. Just ordinary Sandgrounders who have received an extraordinary gift.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Grace!