Collect for Advent Three
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Olivia Erin Barton, daughter of Charlotte and Matt, entered the world at 11 p.m. yesterday 15th. She shared a birthday with 384, 999 others across the world – a world where ongoing conflict rages, where people perform acts of violence to others for reasons of race, tradition, language and religion – or for no reason at all. Where the future is increasingly uncertain, with unknown effects of uncontrolled technology and the need to face inevitable drastic lifestyle changes as result of unchecked global warming.
I wonder what she will think of the legacy we leave her. It wouldn’t surprise me if she wasn’t hugely impressed.
There is one thing that we can – must – do for her, though.
We owe it to her to be witnesses to the truth that will sustain her through good times and darker ones – she will hear it proclaimed in story, carolling and celebration during the days around her birthday. It is the story of another baby – whose birth is a sign of God’s unfailing love, whose life will guide us, His death redeem us, His resurrection inspire us. Whatever may happen, His love will never fail us.
So may the Lord of Lords bless you, Olivia, and your sisters and brothers born that day. May you walk in His light throughout your life; may you be His body on earth, share Faith, Hope and Love, and use the all the gifts He gives you to bring His Kingdom in.
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Praying Together 6th August 2023
The prophecy is fulfilled, the light has come, the day will dawn and the morning star will rise in our hearts. Hallelujah.
Praying Together 30th July 2023
The treasure is there – it just needs to be found. We search for truth, and realise that Jesus is the truth; the way; and the life.
Praying Together 23rd July 2023
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Praying Together 9th July 2023
‘What do I have to do to be free?’, they ask. What will it cost me?
Just believe, He says. I’ll buy it for you. On a cross
Praying Together 25th June 2023
When we are baptised in Christ, washed free of our past, we have the opportunity of starting again. We try – and will inevitably fail. But that mustn’t stop us trying.
Praying Together 18th June 2023
Someone once asked who would be the best person to talk about Jesus to a lorry driver. To which the answer is ‘another lorry driver’.
Praying Together 11th June 2023
Faith is to know that however cold the winter, however dark the night, a new Spring morning will flood creation with light and warmth.
Praying Together 28th May 2023
Who does God send to tell the World?
You.
Praying Together 21st May 2023
People ask how to discern truth from the well-crafted lies of the enemy. Protected by His promise, the answer is simple. In prayer, just ask whether you can see Jesus in their words and deeds.
Praying Together 14th May 2023
We too are challenged to live as disciples. We have the benefit of scripture and history. We know that the story will end with Christ victorious.
Praying Together 7th May 2023
He is the Way. On our journey, there will be signposts that will ensure we keep to the path. Prayer. Scripture. Worship. Spiritual guides. He walks alongside – even if sometimes we don’t recognise Him.