Collects For Advent 4
God our redeemer, who prepared the blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: Grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9
Romans 1: 1-7
Matthew 1: 18-25
According to most media reports, Church attendances are quickly falling as society becomes more secular, dismissing the Gospel stories as fictional, made up to support an archaic social structure that props up a religious hierarchy.
There are so many demands on our time, that churchgoing is seen as a chore that takes away a precious half day on a Sunday morning. Many people claim to be ‘Christian’ – but of course, they claim, ‘you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. (Perhaps not – but why wouldn’t you want to hear more?)
It doesn’t help when the history of the established churches is revealed to be unfeeling and hypocritical and, in many cases, tolerant of abuse.
So why are churches full for Carol services and the annual Nativity play? Is it just part of a meaningless ritual? A habit? A tradition, like chestnuts roasting by an open fire, brussels sprouts (ugh) turkey and ham (ugh, ugh and more ugh)?
Perhaps. But I don’t think so. Traditions have a sell-by date, and our Christmas celebrations will, over time, be replaced by newer ones. (Sadly, probably driven by clever marketing). But I don’t just believe, I KNOW, that in a hundred years, and for hundreds of years after that, the Nativity story will still be told, as it has been for the last two thousand. And people will treasure it.
Why? Because it touches all of us in our lives. Why? The story of the gift of freedom brings us hope in the darkest times. Why? The story of a child born to people just like us gives us a means of understanding that we are special in the eyes of our creator, trusted to bring His Joy to a hurting world.
Why? Because, despite all the failures and bells and whistles, It’s true.
Forget the wrapping. Enjoy the present within it.
And Come and Behold Him, born the King of Angels.
Praying Together 11th February 2024
It’s the same for us – we cannot build our faith on just one or two aspects of Jesus’ story. The fundamental truth we need to accept that He is risen from the dead and He is Lord, alive.
Praying Together 4th February 2024
He asks for no reward, save that of loving His creation, His Father and our neighbours (all of them) as He loves – do we even do that?
Praying together 28th January 2024
So, says Paul, eat or don’t eat. Stop making a fuss over things that don’t matter, and get on with loving your neighbour.
Praying Together 21st January 2024
as we celebrate this week of Christian Unity, let us consider what service we could offer together, that we wouldn’t be capable of achieving on our own – the whole being much greater than the parts.
Praying Together January 14th 2024
Plough Sunday has its roots in medieval times, when the parish church was often used to store a communal plough in the winter months, then being decorated and blessed before the rhythm of the agricultural season begins once more on Plough Monday
Praying Together 7th January 2024
When the world looks at us, sees our actions, our life, do we reflect the light of Christ, and further His Kingdom? Or do we deepen the darkness?
Praying Together 31st December 2023
Jesus – the revolutionary terrorist according to the Sanhedrin – is different, however, in one unique regard.
His only weapon is love.
Even for enemies.
Which is how His Victory is won.
Praying Together 25th December 2023
Without the crib, there is no cross.
Without the cross, the crib has no meaning.
Unto us a child is born…
… a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.
Praying Together 17th December 2023
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.
Praying Together 26 November 2023
They know what they should do. But they don’t do it. It is the ones who do God’s work, who serve without expecting any reward who will receive eternal life in the Kingdom.
Praying Together 19th November 2023
It might not be the trumpet. Or the Clarinet. A Trombone, Double Bass, a singing voice. It may not be music at all. If not, there are many other skills you may have been given that you are not yet aware of: artistic talent, hospitality, compassion, intercession, forgiveness, unconditional love. There will be some.
Praying Together 12th November 2023
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.