Collect For Christmas
Titus 2: 11-14
John 1: 1-14
A verse from ‘It came upon the Midnight clear’
And Man, at war with Man, hears not
The love-song that they sing
O hush your noise, Ye Men of strife
And hear the Angels sing.
Which could be paraphrased as ‘Shut up and listen and you’ll hear something worth hearing.’
But most of the time we don’t. We’re too busy to stop and listen. And while we’re running around and trying to multitask we drown out the silence in which faith whispers a message of hope; hope enables the love which casts out fear; fear that drives conflict, hatred and anger and brings a pervasive darkness that feeds upon itself. We read the news of continual human conflict, and it’s easy to feel despair. But it only takes one candle to be lit and the darkness loses its power to frighten. That’s our mission.
In the very first passage of John’s Gospel, we are reassured that the light has come; and the darkness will never overcome it. Quite a simple message – one we hear repeated at this time of incarnation, God becoming Man out of love for us. Unlike Santa, God doesn’t give us presents because we’ve been good – He gives us the present of Jesus even though we haven’t been. Because He loves us. And if we shut up and listen – even for five minutes – we’ll hear the song of the Angels telling us so.
When we sing the verse in the carol about ‘Man at war with Man’, we usually think that it applies to those nations and their leaders who use violence to achieve their dominance over others. But perhaps we ought to look at ourselves. If we believe Judgement begins with those of God (1 Peter 4:17), how about changing the verse slightly to reflect the state of the Church…
And ‘Christians’ at denominational war with other ‘Christians’ hear not
The love song that they sing
O hush the noise Ye sectarian legalists
And hear the Angels sing
The Song isn’t about reinforcing our own preferences and prejudices;
the Angels are singing about Jesus. Be quiet and listen.
A message from Bishop Michael
A short summary of the Christmas Story.
A little Christmas memory
May you share that Blessing in Christ.
M
Praying Together 23 February 2025
Meditation for the Second Sunday before Lent CollectAlmighty God,you have created the heavens and the earthand made us in your own image:Teach us to discern your hand in all your worksand your likeness in all your children;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who with you...
Praying Together 16th February 2025
And if you accept Him as Lord, allow Him to lead you as you walk into the future without looking back, and do what He has equipped you to do as His body on earth
Praying Together 9th February 2025
We are all asked to have the faith to put out into deep water, but we must remember that we will never be on our own. Peter’s ministry was made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, as will ours.
Praying Together 2nd February 2025
We are all called to be the Body of Christ in His entirety – and we are to take the example of all ‘Saints’ who have gone before, both male and female, as models of our required behaviour.
Praying Together 26th January 2025
Most importantly, in the face of what appears to be a society built upon prejudice and hatred, we are sustained and strengthened by the knowledge that in the end, love will triumph, leaving the wordly values of the tyrant to be forgotten.
Praying Together 19th January 2025
Jesus has demonstrated His authority and power. He takes something ordinary, and it becomes extraordinary. He turns water to wine. He heals the past and offers a new future. He changes his followers from sinner to saint.
Meditations 5th January 2025
With the same eyes as the Magi, we look into the manger, see the light of the world – be it for the first time, after a dark time, or in our daily devotions – and every time we see something new.
Meditations 29th December 2024
In face of evil, we will not keep silent. We choose love; love in thought, love in prayer, love in action, in the sure and certain hope that the power of the cross will prevail. Therefore choose love.
Praying Together 15th December 2024
Be careful what you say in a restaurant – someone might overhear…
Praying Together 8th December 2024
You’ve a chance to start again, but it begins with you admitting that you need to repent, and then be ready – because your life is going to change forever.
An Advent Meditation
As He is always present with Mary, so He is present with me, and with you, too.
Praying Together 24th November 2024
Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen.