Collect For Advent 3
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
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 35: 1-10
Luke 1: v46-55 – Mary’s Song of Praise
And Mary said ‘Yes’. Just like that. Straightway. She heard God’s call, delivered through the angel Gabriel. Sure, she asked for a bit more detail – but not for one moment did she refuse. No excuses, no argument, no compromise. Unlike all those very important men like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Saul, Isaiah and Jonah, who all looked for a way out.
She knew what the consequences would be. The loss of her betrothed husband-to-be, Joseph. The ridicule of being called a shameless hussy, cast out from society. An uncertain – probably unmanageable – future. But despite all that, she still says ‘yes’. Scripture describes many brave acts – but none of them as courageous.
God has to choose a human who He can trust to be the parent of His only Son. He could have selected an important wealthy family, perhaps a princess of the royal blood. You’d certainly have thought so. But, as always, His wisdom is as unexpected as it proves to be correct. Mary is the one He trusts.
I doubt any of us will be called by God to do something as earth-shattering. But we will all be called to fulfil His purpose in our lives. When He does, just say ‘Yes’ – and get on with it.
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.