First time ever.....

Well for the first time I have done it. It caught my attention, I was interested, I sought, pursued and got it.... Yes there it was advertised on TV - this wonderful new desert and so off I went to a local, well known supermarket, asked an assistant for help and purchased the product - well to be honest 6 of them.

So the advertising worked. It caught the attention of my taste buds and I responded. Well done to the advertisers.

So what do we advertise? What message do we portray by our actions and words. Ephesians 5:1 commands us to be imitators of Christ and scripture provides many examples of what we need to do in order to be imitators. How are we doing on the following?

Loving your neighbour (even those who park in your space)
Visiting the imprisoned
Setting captives free
Healing others
Feeding the hungry
Forgiving and accepting forgiveness
Allowing others to care for us whilst we care for others
Going the second mile.. the list in endless

How are we doing? I know I can do much much better.

Credited to Francis of Assisi the phrase “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” reminds us how we can reveal Gods love to others by who we are and what we do (along with what we say) - also by things we don't do and say.

In Acts 4:13 we read "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." The scribes and pharisees (religious folk) were academically intelligent people. Having heard the apostles speak with such authority, boldness and conviction they discovered the reason for this boldness. Clearly, not a result of their education, given that Peter and Johns education focused on the craft of fishing. No, their boldness was not from the self-sufficiency of knowledge, but from the Spirit of the living God. Peter and John had been with Jesus and that was enough. Yes they got it wrong (Hallelujah because we all do)yet they also made a difference.

So where are we to be imitators of Christ? The answer whilst hard is simple - everywhere... workplace, home, gym, street, shops, even in church!

Let us therefore, purpose ourselves to be imitators of Jesus .. and to make a difference whilst we can. Yes we will get it wrong on this roller coaster journey of life. Sometimes we will stumble yet in these moments God can pick us up, dust us down and set us off again.

Be imitators of Jesus it can make a difference.

Brokenness

“Melt our Cold hearts let tears fall like rain
Come change our love from a spark to a flame”
Graham Kendrick – Beauty for Brokenness

This week is Homelessness and Poverty week. Perhaps you knew maybe you did not. As we consider the needs of others are we becoming immunised and sanitised to the needs of our world and community. Images are beamed directly into our homes of broken lives and lands almost daily and I wonder "are we affected and infected by the desperation of others?" Are statistics of poverty, homelessness and brokenness mere fragments of our imagination - sadly no behind ever statistic is a person - desperate, scared, lonely and vulnerable.

It is of course hard, desperately hard, to slight the plight of others when we are broken ourselves. We avoid the issue - paint on a smile and say the words "I'm fine" whilst inside we are screaming "why don't you notice." Do we avoid because there is no support? Avoid for we feel we have failed? Avoid for being condemned and judged? How heartbreaking that is.

Henri Nouwen wrote in his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, that "it is often difficult to believe that there is much to think, speak or write about other than brokenness". I am not sure how often I have heard this preached about or taught about in our churches - oh how we avoid it. Charles Dickens wrote "We need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts".

The bible provides us with so many stories where tears have been shed.
Hannah poured out her soul to God in prayer over her barrenness. Micah wept in prayer for God’s people. Jeremiah wept in prayer over the sin and pain of God’s people.
Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” The woman washing Jesus feet wet them with her tears, Jesus wept for his friend and there are more.

In a beautiful book "My utmost for his highest" Oswald Chambers suggests "Prayer is the falling of a tear." In that case we pray alot don't we.

Jesus, God incarnate, was the man of sorrows. Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows [pain], and acquainted with grief . . . ”.
Not removed and not remote but in the midst, centre of our pain and our world.

So in our brokenness we come to worship and surrender. In our brokenness we come to the source of healing the one who shines light into our lives that we may show light through the fragments of the cracks in our lives to others. Friends may you know the healing light of God's presence.

Questions, Questions, Questions

Can you imagine the conversation?

Jill: I just don't understand the attraction golf has for men.

Mary: Tell me about it! I went golfing with my husband one time, and he told me I asked too many questions!

Jill: Well, I'm sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask?

Mary: I thought I asked legitimate questions...like, "Why did you hit the ball into that lake?"

There have been many funny questions asked in ministry - some more easy to answer than others. Why was Samson so strong? One child answered before I could, ‘anabolic steroids’, he said - a good answer I thought. One particular difficult question asked by a child: "Where does your lap go when you stand up?" I did manage that one ok but it makes you think! There was also the one about Jesus and the cross and a smurf (if you really want to know I will share it sometime).

Of course the major question asked by young and old alike is Why? Why has this happened? Why me? Why now? Why them? How I long to be able to provide palatable answers to such heart-wrenching questions asked in this vein, but in all honesty most answers fail to satisfy. Fail to satisfy, because nothing I can say can provide the healing, release and answer people really need at this time. What is it we want when we ask these questions,? A fix? For it all to be well? To change the course of what is happening?

So many have attempted to provide glib answers in my own past when I have asked why?
For example:

I promise it will be ok? It wasn't.
It is the cross you have to bear? Gee thanks (but I'd prefer some help to carry it).
You will be stronger for it? Brill - a good one - but at the moment .... (you can fill in your own words here.)
I will pray for you? Thanks this is great - (really) - but I could do with a hand too.
And from one couple who were, incidentally, ill themselves, “You need more faith." I simply asked them how they were and they mumbled and walked away.

In the whys of my life the most help has come from those who have shared the journey, cried along the way and have shown me Christ. No glib answers, no false promises - just an ability to be God in that situation. To point me to God who is faithful, constant and dependable - who never abandons and never disowns.

In all honesty, I have found more healing in wrestling with these questions with those who are close to me than in finding the answer I longed for. If that makes sense?
So Why? I have no idea but I will journey with you until the answer comes our way.

New Year Reflections

So what has changed?
Throughout 2009 what has happened that has made us take stock of our lives?

Reflecting is an important activity for each of us. In taking the time to look back and consider the past, we also think of the present and hope for the future. The past is important but can we live far too much in it? This is not a criticism or a rash desire to jump on ahead without thinking about what has gone before. Of course some of what has happened to us in our lives has formed us – made us the people we are and without a doubt events of the last year contribute to who we are today.

Just a reminder though – that what we have said and done in the last year have become other people’s memories. Have you ever really contemplated that? That what we say and do impacts others not just now but becomes their memories for the future. What a responsibility we have! How wonderful to know that we can provide others with wonderful memories. And of course without really saying "negative" memories too.

So as we approach 2010 ….

What has been the highlight of the year?
Who has been the person of the year for us?
How about the moment of the year?
What could have gone better?
What can we learn from the year?
What have we achieved?

All these things form us…

What are our hopes for the next year?
What do we long for?

And in all of this - we are reminded in this Christmas and New Year season that God expressed love for us in a very dramatic way? God stooped down tenderly and picked us up and God still does the same today.

As we reflect and ask the questions of 2009 can we ask where was God? And in the year ahead where could God be? If we seek, we can find God in all things and through all things. May you have a blessed and God filled 2010.

Advent Meditation - Christmas Day

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing


Readings
Isaiah 9:2,6-7
John 1:1-5
Galatians 4:4-7

Reflection
May you have a blessed Christmas. I hope the gifts we got for folks are well received—when did the tradition of gift giving start and why? It is difficult getting the right gift for the right person. What do you get someone that seems to have everything? The answer is…I have no idea (nothing doesn’t seem fair).
The best gift is free! It has been told in many different ways yet the best gift does not come from a shop, no queuing needed and no credit card details need be exchanged. A gift receipt is not needed. God's gift to us, in Jesus is free. God became one of us.
Today take advantage of this gift. God gave us his only Son! Perhaps this today with family and friends we will remember the gift God gave—what love. May we this day look for ways of showing that love to our family (even the ones who gave us the jumper we really would not like to wear in public) and give them little reminders of how much they are loved by us. Love your family and friends unconditionally, showing them the love that our God has shown us. Thank you God for giving us the most precious gift of all!

Prayer
We shout and sing for you have come to us
Angels dance as creation bows to the Lord of all.
God bring us Christ’s peace
Christ’s light
Christ’s love Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those we meet today – may you love radiate from us. We remember those needing to work today for the safety and care of others.

Advent Meditation - Christmas Eve

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
(Away in a Manger)

Readings
Isaiah 60:1-3
Luke 2:1-20

Reflection

A Saviour as a child…. a Saviour as vulnerable, as inconspicuous and unarmed as a child. A new-born baby cannot attack, cannot threaten, cannot kill. The world exhorts us to look up to the strongest but the birth of a child, a needy child, tells us it was not so for God. This small child will rescue, redeem, heal and restore.

We are on the very brink of the Nativity. Our sense of the power of the One coming has been stretched, challenged, recast over the last three weeks. And now the reality of that power begins to dawn more clearly. And what is astonishing about it, is that, unlike any power we know, this power is confident enough to be vulnerable. And that means confident enough in us to be vulnerable to us. What sort of power is it that allows itself to be so vulnerable? It is the power that heals, transforms and delivers— it is the power of God.

Come thou long expected Jesus. I am ready.

Prayer
Light of light, Lord of Lords and King of Kings
In excitement we approach the dawn.
Re-awaken in us the Spirit of grace and mercy that
we may receive you once again.
Bring peace to those who are in distress, peace where there is hatred. In your saving name Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for nations at war for whom Christmas is not still , silent of peaceful.
We remember our armed forces and their families particularly those who have lost loved ones through conflict.

Advent Meditation - Wednesday 23 December

Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”



Readings
Isaiah 11:1-9
Psalm 150
Titus 3:4-8

Reflection
When Charles Wesley wrote that Jesus came to give us second birth, he describes the greatest gift we could ever receive. We have the ability to live a life that includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Christ's coming and sacrifice meant that we all have this gift available to us. With this understanding of Jesus' birth, we are able fully to celebrate what Jesus was born to do. God was not responding to us because we had achieved a goodness that needed reward. From the heart of God comes an action that is motivated by compassion for a race that has gone very wrong and has lost its way badly. God had come among us to enable us to live in a very different way. To our shame, sin sometimes takes us by the hand and controls us in a completely destructive way. We are now to seek the things of God as a priority. We are now to become a people for God, and because of that, as the apostle Paul tells us, to “have no ambition except to do good”. We are put back on track.

Prayer
Lord Jesus light of the world
Born in David’s city of Bethlehem
Born like David to be a King
Be born in our hearts
Be king of our lives today. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for the fruit of God’s spirit to be evident in our lives and the life of the church.

Advent Meditation - Tuesday 22 December

“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”
(While Shepherds watched)

Readings
Psalm 23
Isaiah 42:1-9
Luke 15:1-7


Reflection
Shepherds are committed people, and by today’s standards, probably strange. After all who would leave 99 sheep to go and find the one that is lost? Who would leave all they know in search of those who have no hope and those who would wander aimlessly - who would do that? Who would leave the comfort of what is certain and
comfortable? Who would leave all they know? Who would do that?

Jesus brings a new idea of God. Our view of God is limited until this point. Jesus does not simply corroborate the notions of Greek philosophers, Hebrew rabbis and teachers of the law - he does more than that. He tells us, or better, shows us what God is like. God saw, God heard, God came and God lives.

Praise be to our God.

Prayer
Surprising God
May I, this season, again join in the adventure of seeking the Christ child.
May I again offer myself to you,
offering all I have been, all I am and all that is to come.
Praise you almighty God—for you are the same yesterday, today and forever. In you we trust.
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those aid organisations who respond to the needs of others. Provide resource, wisdom and understanding.

Advent Meditation - Monday 21 December

Truth of our life
Mary’s child
you tell us God is good
Prove it is true
Mary’s child
Go to your cross of wood.
(Born in the night Mary's child)



Readings
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Matthew 4:17
Matthew 6:33

Reflection
Kingdom builders are history makers—moving beyond what the world says and embracing the full nature of God’s creation. Do you feel called to be a kingdom builder or history maker? Mary could have said no. Joseph could have abandoned the one he was betrothed to and walked away. But they didn’t - they said “Yes” and became part of His Story (Gods story).

We admire Mary & Joseph yet at times we do not emulate their faith journey and courage. They were ordinary lay folk called by God and equipped by the Spirit. They trusted their inner experience of God and responded - and that response took them to Bethlehem and Egypt. When they were called by God, there was no mention of them having to “clear” this with the rabbis or teachers of the law. They just responded. There was no safety net or back up plan—they heard and they went. But what would the priests have said? Would they have tried to dissuade them—we will never know. What we do know is they responded to the greatest story ever told— will you be part of it too.

Prayer
Holy God, born in the darkness of night you bring us light.
Give us grace to live and grow in the generosity of your Spirit
that when all the trappings of Christmas have gone, you remain. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for all those who give of themselves in our church and community. We pray that God would inspire and equip them.

Advent Meditation - Sunday 20 December

Silent night! holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

Readings
Psalm 46:10

Just one small reading to help us too be still.


Reflection
So we begin the final week of Advent.

In the silence of the night where do your thoughts go?

When all is quiet and you hear the ticking of the clock, the creaking of the house who and what do you think of?

Can the silent night be a holy one?

We have a few days left and it will be busy. So in the last week...
Be still and listen.

Quiet us, Lord, that we might be able to hear, over the noise of our busy lives, beyond the clutter of our Christmas preparations;

Help us to become still, even for a moment, that we might hear the herald of your angel voices: "Glory!" ... "Peace on arth" ...."Mercy".... "Reconciliation" "Joy!"
"Christ is born."

The message of the ages still rings out for those willing to listen. This is our desire. Open us that we might hear. Today ... Now.

Prayer
O lord of the silent night
you have given me my heart, mind and soul to wonder.
May I wonder again in the stillness.
Quiet us with your spirit that I may be still and know that you are God.
Amen

We pray for those who rush around unable to be still because of the demands of
others. Grant them peace.

Advent Meditation - Saturday 10 December

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
(It came upon a midnight clear)

Readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16
2 Peter 3:8-15

Reflection
Advent is a time of anticipation. We look forward to the season with the beauty of the winter, of family gatherings and a break from the every day. Though, for multiple reasons, many do not have these positive images of the Christmas season. One thing that brings hope is that this season calls us to a higher sense of being and purpose. No matter what our images of Christmas, together we can look forward to a renewal of God's message to us: Jesus.
This passage in 2 Peter talks about looking forward to renewal with a sense of anticipation. As the reader, we are met with images of anticipation for the carrying out of God’s promises in a world where the believers were still extremely persecuted. The author reminds the early Christians that God is not forgetful; rather, God is merciful.
The early church felt the urgency to restore God's reign on earth, and so do many Christians today. This passage should be encouragement for us. God will bring a new heaven and earth where righteousness will reign. The author means to reassure the believers. To God, "one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day." God is patient. Therefore, let your face shine! God waits for us, the beloved, to be reconciled to God.

Prayer
Reconciling God reign in my life, my past, my present and my future. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those who are worried and anxious. For those who are hurt by waiting for news.

Advent Meditation - Friday 18 December

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
(O Little town of Bethlehem)

Readings
Psalm 72: 1-7, 18-19
Micah 5:1-5

Reflection
In Micah 5:2-5, we are given the first hints of the impending birth of our Lord. The message first is to the people of Bethlehem, letting them know that, though they are one of many towns in Israel that could house the birth of our Saviour, they were the chosen one. Today, any small town in this large world could be worthy of his return, but Bethlehem was chosen—an ordinary town.
The message continues telling them that once the time is right He shall be revealed to the people of Bethlehem and the people of Israel. And He shall bring the Lord's message so all shall hear it and know it. This message will be one of Peace - a peace that passes the understanding of all - and it shall be with us until the end of time. As carols are sung and gifts are wrapped for friends and loved ones alike, we should remember the real reason for Christmas -- Peace, the Peace that our precious Lord and Saviour brought to us all those many years ago. After all it is hardly silent at Bethlehem at this moment.

Prayer
I depend on you so much. You are a rock for my belief and a sign of God's love.
Fill me with your praise! I want to sing your glory, filled with joy for the message of hope you send.
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for the Holy Land for restoration and peace.

Advent Meditation - Thursday 17 December

Wise men seeking Jesus,
Travelled from afar,
Guided on their journey
By a beauteous star.

Readings
Psalm 54
Isaiah 43: 1-7
Matthew 2:2-12

Reflection
What’s in a name? Does our name describe anything of who we are? In some parts of the world the name given to a child may reflect the circumstances of birth. For example, a girl born into one of the indigenous groups of East Africa might have a name which means, “born at night” or “born when it rains.” (In which case in the UK there would be a lot of rain related names).

It was also common in Biblical times to choose a name that indicated something significant about the character of the person. Naomi, whose name meant pleasant, asked to be called Mara, meaning bitter, after her husband and two sons had died. When Rebekah gave birth to twins, the second born was grasping his brother Esau’s heel. So he was named Jacob, which means he grasps the heel, or figuratively in that culture, he deceives. And Jacob’s character was sometimes one of deception.
Jesus, too, was given a name that reflected his destiny, but one so unlike that of Jacob. Jesus was called Immanuel, God with us, indicating the purpose of his life. Jesus came to show us the face of God, to give us a clearer view of the will of God, and to help us understand the character of God. Jesus came to bring God’s truth to humankind, to be God with us, to provide the possibility of living life with hope, meaning and purpose, near to the heart of God.

Prayer
O God, whose nature is revealed in Jesus,
give us your spirit that our lives may reflect your character of love, hope and purpose in thought, word and deed. Amen.

Further Prayers
We pray for our neighbours whose names we do not know. May we reveal your presence by our words and actions.

Advent Meditation - Wednesday 16 December

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
(In the Bleak mid winter)

Readings
Psalm 40
Luke 2:7
Ephesians 5:1-2

Reflection
According to the Scripture, God no longer wants physical offerings. He wants to build his kingdom using the intangible gifts he has given his children. Filling up
Christmas stockings never got anyone into heaven. It is God's will for us to give the gift of love this season. He has commanded us to further his kingdom and he made this possible through his Son.

During the Christmas season, we work hard to please everyone, sacrificing a lot of time and money for the sake of holiday cheer. But does God require us to be so sacrificial that it takes away from the building of his kingdom? As children many of us were taught the true meaning of Christmas. We were told how God loved us so much that he sent his only son into the world in human form to be the ultimate sacrifice for humankind. As we grow older we may tend to forget this and modify our definition of sacrifice. Instead of sacrificing time doing things that will further the kingdom of God, we can become overly busy trying to fulfil the material needs of those around us. Is God pleased by this? Definitely not. Our relationship with God is not based on how much money we sacrifice for others. God did not save us because of anything great that we have done. God’s gift is free, priceless and everlasting.

Prayer
In humility and in my humanness
I simply offer myself to you. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those struggling with finance this Christmas and those unemployed.

Advent Meditations - Tuesday 15 December

Just a blanket on the floor
Of a vacant cattle-stall
But there the child was born
She held him in her arms
And as she laid him down to sleep
She wondered - will it always be
So bitter and so sweet
(Thorns in the Straw - Graham Kendrick)

Readings
Luke 2:19
John 19:25

Reflection
Mary, the mother of Jesus in her life and obedience reveals a
passionate life of prayer devoted to God's will, and He chose her to bring the Messiah into the world. Her exhausting journey to Bethlehem, the terrifying flight to Egypt, watching and hearing her son and as an older woman wanting to hold her precious, dying Son in her arms portrays a life journey - a life dedicated and devoted to God.

“To love Jesus, to live for Jesus, to suffer for Him, to make him known and loved by all hearts, to consecrate to Him every motion of her own heart, that was Mary’s desire.” St Peter Julian Eymard.
“Bitter and sweet” the moment of grace as she held her child. I can imagine the scene - Mary and Jesus together and Joseph, the skilled carpenter walking to the feeding trough rocking it in its rickety unstable state; “never trust nails son. Never trust nails”. - Bitter and Sweet.

Prayer
God, you showed the world the splendour of your glory
in the coming of Christ born of the Virgin.
Give to us true faith and love to celebrate the mystery of God made man.
Give us grace to remember the full of extent of your sacrifice for it is bitter and sweet. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those who are caught up with news of joy and news of sorrow.