What is this?
This year’s Beccles Parish Advent Calendar follows the misadventures of a mysterious visitor to his long-lost relatives at St Michael’s Church in Beccles.
As well as daily updates on our visitor’s antics, each day you will find a brief reflection and reminders of the Christmas Services and Events across Beccles Parish.
We pray that during this busy season you will find time to rest and spend with God.
With every blessing from
This calendar was inspired by a calendar created by Rasmus Bååth. Sounds based on effects downloaded from Pixabay. Images from The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas, Simply Love Printables and Pixabay. With special thanks to Simon the Conductor at Greater Anglia Trains.
Copyright 2025 Beccles Parish. All rights reserved.
There was a knock at the big door! “Who could it be?” thought Mildred, who had been busy tidying the nest. She called to her husband, George (who was really called Marmaduke, but he always struggled to spell that), to ask him if he was expecting anyone. “No,” replied George, “it’s probably another tourist.” Their daughter, Hattie, ran to open the door, but it was big and heavy and needed all three mice to get it to move! To their surprise, standing in the porch was another mouse! “Surprise!” exclaimed the mouse. “I’m your second cousin twice removed and I’m here to stay with you for the festive season! The name’s Chris, Chris Mouse…”
In the Christmas story, Mary also had an unexpected visitor! This visitor, though, came to tell her about the special promise God had for her:
The angel came to her and said, ‘Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him … Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus.’ Luke 1.29-32
Are you ready for the unexpected this Christmas?
Remember to come back tomorrow for more Chris Mouse adventures!
Once they got over the shock of their unannounced visitor, Mildred, George and Hattie welcomed Chris Mouse into their (not so humble!) abode that is St Michael’s church. But nothing had prepared them for the hijinks to come! As it turned out, Chris came from a tiny little village church in Norfolk — the sort with no kitchen or toilets. So, Chris had a wonderful time exploring, as did everyone … that is, until Chris found the toilet paper! “I think you should be called ‘Mischievous Mouse’”, sighed George.
Jesus is also known by other names. In fact, many years before He was born, it was foretold:
God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace’ Isaiah 9.6
Which of Jesus’ names particularly speaks to you?
To find out more about Jesus, why not check out the Every Day Faith app, sign up for daily reflection emails or, for teens, download the advent devotionals.
Well, after George had finally untangled himself from the toilet paper yesterday and steered Chris away from the loos, they spent the rest of the day admiring the Christmas trees in the church. Chris was fascinated by all the twinkly lights! “Aw, he’s clearly not used to electricity,” thought Mildred. Little did she know that Chris was just planning his next adventure … and this was how the Keeper of the Keys found them this morning when she unlocked the church!
Far brighter than twinkly lights, Jesus promises us light:
Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.’ John 8.12
What darkness could Jesus’ light dispell in your life?
Mildred discovered another exciting new thing for Chris to experience this morning: Hot water! “I think it’s time you had a bath, Chris,” she said. To her surprise, Chris was very much up for a bath. Not what she expected from a boy — she had heard they don’t like to wash! However, she soon realised she should have supervised the running of the bath … Chris had clearly found his way into the Youth Hub cupboard and found the marshmallow stash!
As delicious as marshmallows are, they’re no use for washing with and definitely don’t hydrate us! But even plain water isn’t as amazing as the spiritual water Jesus offers all of us:
But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life. John 4.14
What do you thirst for in life?
Make a note in your diary of our Messy Christmas Morning for 5-11 year olds on the 22nd December, from 10am-12pm at St Luke’s,Beccles. Places are limited so book now!
“Where on earth could they be?” exclaimed Mildred. “I’m sure they’ve not gone far,” replied George. But Mildred was getting worried. Both cousin Chris and their daughter, Hattie, had disappeared. They searched high and low, but could not find them anywhere in the church — to be fair, it is a very good place for hide and seek! So, with much trepidation, both the parent mice began looking around Beccles. Finally they found them, getting up to no good in a tree in a shop window. Can you work out which shop it is? Pop your answers in a message on our social media!
Being lost is scary and, without Jesus, we are lost. Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep and the shepherd that goes to find it. The shepherd is delighted when eventually he finds the sheep.
In the same way, I tell you, heaven is a happy place when one sinner decides to change. There is more joy for that one sinner than for 99 good people who don’t need to change. Luke 15.7
What do you look for in life?
The Christmas Market at St Luke’s is this afternoon from 4-7pm. Join us for festive fun, fabulous stalls and yummy snack. And to top it all, from 6.15pm the ministry team will be reading a bedtime story, complete with hot chocolate.
After yesterday’s worry about where the children had gotten to, Mildred insisted that both Chris and Hattie stay in the church. “But what are we going to do, Mum?” asked Hattie, feeling a little bored after her exciting adventure yesterday. So, Mildred found them some string, “Have a game of cat’s cradle,” she suggested. But Chris had other ideas … and so, the Keeper of the Keys found the mischievous mice zip-lining from the pulpit when unlocking this morning!
When leaping from a high place, safety equipment is essential! In whatever fear or trouble we may face in our lives, we can trust God to be our safety net:
God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. So we are not afraid when the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the sea. We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark, and the mountains tremble. Psalm 46.1-3
What rough seas would you like to be calmed in your life?
Come and find the perfect Christmas gift at the North Cove Christmas Fair, from 11am-3pm at the Fortrey Heap Village Hall.
Determined to keep the mischievous mice out of trouble today, Mildred racked her brains for something to do. “I know!” she thought, and sent George off to the servery to get some cheese-flavoured snacks. Settling the children down, she declared, “Now this is more like it! Much more fun! A picnic in the pews!” By the time the cleaner popped in, the mice were nowhere to be seen, but there were rather a lot of crumbs …
Jesus promises us something far better than cheese-flavoured snacks: The bread of life!
Then Jesus said, ‘I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.’ John 6.35
Are there things you’re chasing after that do not really satisfy?
Come and meet the mini-donks at our Christmas Wild Church, this afternoon from 2.30-4pm at All Saints church, Worlingham. As well as meeting the donkeys you can make a Christmas decoration and join in Christmas games and activities.
And after the excitement of Wild Church, why not take a few minutes out to listen to Huldah’s story in the series on Women of the Nativity.
Today, Hattie had a great idea! After watching a family come in and use the toys and books in the children’s area, she shouted, “Come on everyone, I know where we can have fun!” And they all made a beeline for the toys. “Come on, Chris,” encouraged Hattie, “read a book with me!” But Chris shook his head. George tried to tempt Chris over to do some drawing, “Look, I’ve drawn a self-portrait!” But Chris wasn’t interested. Desperate, Mildred even tried to start a game of football! But nothing would deter Chris from his idea of fun: Charging round the play area on a fluffy pig!
Even George and Mildred had fun today playing in the children’s area. Jesus says that to be a part of God’s Kingdom, we need to be give up our airs and graces and be like children:
Then he said, ‘The truth is, you must change your thinking and become like little children. If you don’t do this, you will never enter God’s kingdom.’ Matthew 18.3
What fun activity could you do today?
Don’t be on your own on Christmas Day! Come and join us for our Community Christmas Dinner at St Luke’s, Beccles — everyone is welcome! For details, please contact Fran on (01502) 716370.
It was a chilly day in church today, at least for the humans. Determined to warm up, they opened up the servery to make some hot chocolate for everyone at the meeting. But to everyone’s surprise, there was no milk! Instead, there was a mouse, Chris Mouse, finishing off the dregs in the jug with a straw! Naughty mouse!
Milk is an amazing liquid. It’s great in coffee and tea of course, but it was designed to feed babies — of all varieties of mammal! — and give them all the nutrients they need to grow and be strong.
Like newborn babies hungry for milk, you should want the pure teaching that feeds your spirit. With it you can grow up and be saved. 1 Peter 2.2
Where do you find your nourishment for personal growth?
If you haven’t done so already, why not check out the Every Day Faith app, sign up for daily reflection emails or, for teens, download the advent devotionals.
Fresh from the embarrassment of Chris being found in the fridge yesterday, Mildred begged George to find something to keep him entertained. In true dad-style, he dug out his joke book and began telling some rather naff, typical Dad, festive jokes. “That was really bad!” Chris groaned. Do you have any better Christmas jokes for Chris? Share them with us in a message via our social media pages!
Did you know, one of the most famous Bible character’s name means ‘he laughs’? In the very first book of the Bible there is the story of Abraham and Sarah, who laughed in disbelief when God told them they will have a child in their old age. The child’s miraculous birth brought them great joy.
Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born. Sarah said, ‘God has made me happy, and everyone who hears about this will be happy with me’ Genesis 21.5-6
What brings you great joy?
“What are we doing today?” asked Chris at the break of dawn. George and Mildred yawned, stretched and climbed out of the nest. “Let us have a coffee first, eh, Chris?” replied George. But Chris was raring to go. “I know,” he shouted with excitement, “We can do one of my favourite things! The river here is a bit deep for me, but I reckon we could still catch a fish or two!” And that is how the Keeper of the Keys found all four mice this morning: Fishing in the font! Do you think they’ll catch anything?
Some of Jesus’ closest friends were fishermen. One night they’d been out all night but had caught nothing. In the morning Jesus suggested they go back out and try again. And a miracle happened:
Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish and caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.” The fishermen put their nets into the water. Their nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break. Luke 5.6
Can you imagine the abundance if you answered Jesus’ call?
Having heard all about the voting for favourite carols on the parish social media, Hattie had an idea for today’s fun. “Let’s sing some Christmas carols!” she suggested. “What about the music to sing along to?” asked her dad. “I know,” shouted Chris excitedly, “I’ve got just the thing!” But it turns out, the organ is not an easy instrument for a mouse. With all the different keyboards and buttons, they had their work cut out for them! “The organist makes this look much easier than it is!” puffed George, vowing to find a less active plan for tomorrow …
Despite her precarious position as a pregnant, unmarried teenager, Mary burts into joyful song when her cousin Elizabeth affirms the angel’s message about the baby Mary is carrying:
I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Saviour. Luke 1.46-47
What can you give thanks for today?
Join us at St Luke’s, Beccles from 6.15-7pm for a bedtime story, complete with hot chocolate!
“More music, more music!” shouted Chris. “Well, I’m not playing that organ again,” replied George, “I think I’ve pulled a muscle or two!” But cousin Chris had other ideas. “This’ll be much more fun. You stand there and sing and I’ll dance on the strings to make the notes,” explained Chris. And George heaved a sigh of relief before joining in the singing. Chris did quite well, really, there weren’t that many bum-notes!
Did you know that dancing can be a way to worship God? The Bible tells us that when King David’s prayer was answered his worries turned into a joyful dance of praise:
You have changed my sorrow into dancing. You have taken away my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. You wanted me to praise you and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever! Psalm 30.11-12
What makes you dance for joy?
Our Christingle Service will be at St Luke’s, Beccles tomorrow morning at 9.30am. Come and join the festive fun and make your own Christingle.
The congregation at St Michael’s were not best pleased this morning when, after the service, they discovered there were no mince pies, especially since they’d been promised that there would be. And indeed, there had been mince pies, but it turns out that being mischievous mice — and indeed trying to parent them — is hungry work!
Mincemeat was originally made as a way to preserve meat, hence the name. Nowadays, it is a celebration of a variety of fruits and spices and a delicious festive treat &mdashl if you like that sort of thing! Jesus often uses fruit to illustrate his teaching. One picture he uses is to explain that a person’s actions show their true nature:
‘A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.’ Matthew 12.33
What fruit do you bear?
Why not settle down with a nice cuppa and a mince pie today to listen to Abigail’s story in the series on Women of the Nativity.
“How many sleeps is it ’til Christmas?” a little girl asked her mum whilst they were visiting the church. “Oh, a fair few yet,” she replied. Then Chris had an idea. He’d help with a countdown! Off he went to raid the Youth Hub cupboard again and came up with the rest of the marshmallows — after some help with the maths — he created a countdown for visitors into the church. Trouble is, marshmallows taste quite nice and so the countdown wasn’t there long enough for any visitors to see.
Waiting for something we’re excited about or long for can be hard. Children are excited for Christmas when we celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world and showing us how to live. Jesus was killed on the cross to pay for our sins and was burried. After three days he rose again and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of his Father. But did you know Jesus promised to come again to make all things right, for all eternity — Christians can’t wait!
You must be patient too. Never stop hoping. The Lord is coming soon. James 5.8
What are you looking forward to this Christmas?
Join us for a traditional Carols by Candlelight service at 6.30pm at St John’s church, Barnby.
“Who doesn’t love Lego?” exclaimed George, as he encouraged Chris to come give it a go. “Me, when I step on it barefoot,” thought Mildred. Before long, Chris had got the hang of it and had started to build a house. “What are you building, Hattie?” asked Chris. Hattie paused for a moment to think. “As it’s nearly Christmas, I think I’ll make a Nativity scene,” She replied. “What’s one of those?” Chris asked. “Well,” replied George, “we could do the Lego trail round town I’ve heard everyone talking about. That’s a fun way to find out about the Christmas story!”
‘Nativity’ literally means ’the occasion of a person’s birth’. Of course, the word is most often used to describe the birth of Jesus, which we know as the Christmas story — and a pretty incredible tale it is too. The angel appearing to the shepherds proclaimed the Good News:
Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you — news that will make everyone happy. Today your Saviour was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2.10-11
What is the best news you’ve ever heard?
Explore the Christmas story with the help of Lego people. Find the five interactive posters in various shop windows in Beccles town centre. The trail starts at the St Michael’s notice board and do remember to bring your smartphone!
This morning, Chris was in a particularly mischievous mood. “What mayhem will he create today?” wondered Mildred with a sigh. But even Mildred could not have predicted what happened next. Along with Hattie, some Christmas gift paper and quite a bit of sticky tape, Chris pounced on poor, unsuspecting Rev Dimitri. And quick as a flash, they’d wrapped the rector!
With the pressures of the festive season, it is all too easy to get wrapped up in our troubles — worries about money, difficult family relationships, the heaviness of grief, health fears. But the Bible tells us over and over to reassess what is truly important. Jesus will gladly take our burdens from us:
Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light. Matthew 11.28-30
Are you ready to let go of your burdens?
Will the ministry team be able to top last year’s performance of the Christmas story? To find out, join us this evening at 6.30pm for the Carol Service at St Luke’s, Beccles.
Keen for even more fun, Chris found his way back to the loos for more toilet-paper-mischievous-mayhem. But Hattie had a better idea! “I hear one of the primary schools are popping in tomorrow for their Christmas service. Let’s help with the decorations!” And with a snippety snip of the scissors, they soon had several snowflakes cut out. They were feeling very pleased with themselves … that is, until they heard a cry from the now toilet-paperless-loo!
Have you ever seen a snowflake under a microscope? Each one has a unique delicate beauty and intricate design. The God who made the universe, flung stars into space and designed every snowflake also made us and loves us — every single one of us!
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it. Psalm 139.13-14
Where have you seen God at work in nature?
Join us for a traditional Carols by Candlelight service at 6.30pm at St Botolph’s church, North Cove.
Mildred, desperate for a bit of peace, begged her husband to entertain the mischievous mice for a little while so she could get on with some chores. “I know,” said Chris as he ran off toward the Youth Hub cupboard again, and came back with some cards. George thoroughly approved of this game, and was close to winning, when Hattie produced a rather ominous looking card!
Whilst the Bible doesn’t mention a game of cards, the picture of a race is used by Paul as a symbol for living our lives:
We have all these great people round us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. Hebrews 12.1
Who has been an important example in your life?
Join us at St Luke’s, Beccles from 6.15-7pm for a bedtime story, complete with hot chocolate!
With the excitement for Christmas building, Mildred was finding it increasingly difficult to get Hattie and Chris to go to bed of an evening. Then she had an idea! With the help of some suspiciously-sock-looking sleeping bags, a snack or two for midnight and some cuddly toys, she set up camp for the night in the children’s area!
In our busy lives, and particularly in the busy run up to Christmas, rest can feel more of a luxury than a necessity. The Bible tells us that rest is important for our well-being and God himself rested after creating the world:
God finished the work he was doing, so on the seventh day he rested from his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day. He made it special because on that day he rested from all the work he did whilst creating the world. Genesis 2.2-3
Even God rested, so don’t forget to find time to rest during this busy season. And consider spending some of that time with God, either at home or join us at church tomorrow.
Join us this evening at 6.30pm for our Carols & Crib Service at All Saints, Worlingham. Why not come dressed up as a shepherd or king so you can join in with the retelling of the Christmas story!
“What on earth are you covered in?” Mildred asked Hattie. “Snow!” she proudly declared. With a feeling of dread, Midred went to check out what Chris was up to. And sure enough, there was more mischievous mayhem in the form of flour-snow angels all over the church floor. “Just one day without making more mess,” thought Mildred as she hurriedly swept up so everything was clean and tidy again in time for the carol service!
The angels had their work cut out for them over the course of the Christmas story! First, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah, then on to Mary. Then we are also told that another angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and a whole host of angels appear to the shepherds!
And each time, the angel says, “Don’t be afraid.”
Jesus offers the same reassurance to the disciples when he walks on water and they think they’ve seen a ghost, “Don’t be afraid.”:
Then the followers in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, “You really are the Son of God.” Matthew 14.33
Jesus says the same to us, “Don’t be afraid.” Today, why not leave your worries, troubles and fears with him.
Join us this evening at 6.30pm for our Carols by Candlelight service at St Michael’s, Beccles. If you, or someone you know, cannot make it to this service in person, you can watch online, either live or on catch-up.
“Christmas movie time!” shouted George, keen to keep the mischievous mice out of mayhem for the evening. The film was on the big screen, the popcorn freshly popped, and Mildred had been reassured that this activity wouldn’t end in more cleaning. At least that had been George’s plan until Hattie fell in the popcorn. What’s your favourite Chrismas movie? And what snacks do you enjoy when watching it? Let us know by sending us a message on our Social Media pages.
Have you heard of Popcorn Prayers? No, it’s not praying that it doesn’t burn in the microwave! Rather, think about how popcorn pops — sudden exclamations of yumminess, one after another, after another. Popcorn prayers are very quick, prayers with few words that are prayed throughout the day, individually or in a group. More specifically, there are popcorn praise prayers, quick prayers of thanks or recognition of God’s greatness.
The Bible tells us we should never stop praising God:
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will never stop singing his praises. Psalm 34.1
What could you thank God for today?
Why not join us at our Christmas themed Messy Morning at St Lukes? It’s not too late to sign up here.
“Christmas cupcakes!” said Mildred, even before Chris could ask what they were doing today. Surely that would keep them out of mischief!? But it turns out that baking is far messier with mischievous mice …
Did you know that in the Bible cake and a nap are recommended when the world feels too heavy?! In the story of Elijah, just as he’s ready to give up, an angel wakes him from a nap and tells him to eat the cake that was provided, before he has another snooze.
Later the Lord’s angel came to him again, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat! If you don’t, you will not be strong enough to make the long trip.” So Elijah got up. He ate and drank and felt strong. 1 Kings 19.7-8
Remember to make time for a cake and a nap today!
“Can I help?” asked Chris, seeing Mildred wrapping presents. Agreeing rather reluctantly, George passed him the sticky tape to cut. Which turned out to be huge a mistake as, within seconds, Chris was entangled in it, with no sign of the end of the reel…
Many people know Jesus’ most famous birth presents, brought by the wise men. But did you know that these each of their unusual gifts symbolise something special about Jesus? Gold symbolises Jesus’ royalty and kingship. Frankincense is used as incense in worship, representing Jesus’ priestly role. And myrrh is a spice that was used in embalming, symbolising Jesus’ suffering and death.
The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2.11
What treasures would you give a king?
Why not come and join the retelling of the Christmas story dressed as a shepherd or king at our Crib Service, 4.30pm at St Michael’s, Beccles.
And if you’re still up, there are the Midnight Communion Services at St Botolphs, North Cove and St Michael’s, Beccles, both starting at 11.30pm. You can also join the midnight service from St Michael’s online here.
“It’s Christmas!” shouted the children excitedly, bouncing in their nests. “It certainly is,” replied Mildred, wearily. It had been wonderful getting to know their cousin Chris, but she was rather exhausted after all the mayhem. Still, he was off home later, after the Christmas service and a spot of lunch. “I’ve had such fun!” declared Chris, “Shall I come again next year?”
She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed. She put him there because the guest room was full. Luke 2.7
Is there room in your heart this Christmas for Jesus? If you want to find out more, come along to one of our ‘Finding the Joy in January’ events or follow us on social media for daily reflections over the 12 days of Christmas.
We wish you and yours a very happy Christmas!
Love and every blessing,
You are warmly invited to join us this morning to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus:
Why not take a few minutes out today to listen to Shiphrah’s story in the series on Women of the Nativity.