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.

Advent Meditation - Monday 14 December

As the night closes in, there’s a star at my window
that still waits and beckons at break of the day.
And this star shining bright
seems to call me to follow,
to leave on a journey and I must obey.
(The Carol of the Star - Andrew Rudd)

Readings
Psalm 18:24-30
Matthew 2:1

Reflection
The theme of journey is commonplace in the Christian tradition. We consider the life of faith as a journey, a pilgrimage—one which takes us to different places.

Sometimes the journey seems long. Isaiah tells us to “make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.” What could that mean? Making straight the wasteland. Does it mean clearing away the debris in our lives, removing the barriers in our way, laying down the burden we carry? Mary at times may have felt like a burden—Joseph could have made the journey a lot quicker without her—but that wasn’t the plan. The journey by the shepherds and wise men could have been prevented by them saying “no” - but that wasn’t the plan. The plan for us is to grow in God’s grace. Jeremiah reminds us that God has plans for our lives—plans for a future. How will you respond? Would you have followed the star? Will you follow the star? And this year will you lay down the burden that has made the journey hard? God cares for you.

Prayer
Lord of all, you are a God who provides for us in our need.
As we travel through Advent help us to believe that you know what we need.
Give us the courage to listen to your voice and the freedom to open our heart to the graces you are offering
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for all who make a journey this Christmas. Those who we visit and those who visit us. At every door, in every home, may the reality of your presence bring the peace we long for.

Advent Meditation - Sunday 13 December

To You our hearts are open
To You our hands we raise
Come take the place
Of honour in our lives

Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty one
The ever-living God
(Together in this place of Worship - Emmanuel)

Reading
Psalm 63:4
Psalm 134:2
Philippians 4:4-7

Reflection

God’s calendar and timescales are not our own. The early church lived in the expectation of the imminent return of Jesus. John the Baptist came to people convinced of their superior status, Judgement would fall on the Gentiles yet the Sons of Abraham would escape because of their birthright. But John demanded that all repent - he did not preach in Jerusalem but the desert. The gospel is for all and we are called to surrender again our priorities and our prejudices in our calling and service of God.

Prayer
Lighten my darkness
Lord I Pray.
That I may radiate your glory to all I meet.
May my words and actions reveal your goodness
and grace preparing a way for your light to shine.
May my heart, life and being be open to you as you take the central place in my life. I offer myself afresh in Jesus’ name. Amen

Further Prayer
We pray for all who feel judged and ignored by others. We pray for our churches and our call to spread the gospel to all people

Advent Meditation - Saturday 12 December

Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.


Reading
Psalm 78:70-72
Matthew 8:3
Hebrews 1:1-6

Reflection
The Lord God gave King David a significant reminder: I took you from following the sheep in the pastures, I have been with you everywhere you wandered and I will give you your own place and rest from your enemies. What a profound promise! And what does God want but our loving embrace. The joy of our salvation is the Prince of Peace, one who comes as a tiny infant in the humblest of circumstances, yet poised to set the world astir.Amidst the growing commercialism of Christmas - contrasted with the severe economic conditions of many needy people around the world - we must find the time and space to take Christ in. Pause for a few minutes during the busiest part of your day today and think about how God has taken you from the pastures and journeyed with you wherever you went. Then consider the ways that you can share God’s love with others. Sharing doesn’t just take financial form. It could be the gift of music, of friendship, or just listening. It might be down the church, having coffee, across the street, good friends or an unknown family, a simple gesture or a gift that stretches your resources. Receive the greatest joy by responding with a loving embrace.

Prayer
From the humbleness of my life, help me to grow and bloom and hear the words that will change the world. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for the Cathedrals of commercialism especially our town centre. May our town realise the true reason for the season. May we reach out in your name.

Advent Meditation - Friday 11 December

From the squalor of a borrowed stable,
by the spirit and a virgin's faith;
to the anguish and the shame of scandal
came the Saviour of the human race!
But the skies were filled with the praise of heav'n,
shepherds listen as the angels tell of the Gift of God
come down to man at the dawning of Immanuel


Readings
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalm 145
2 Peter 3:9

Reflection
The reading proposed for today from Samuel 2 lets us know that God is always with us. David thought he had to build for God a permanent home and God gently said no. Of course if you read the surrounding passage, you can find other explanations as to why God would not let David build his temple. However, God did not need a “real” home in order to be with the Israelites. He was with them all through history, he didn’t always give them what they thought they wanted, but he was always with them. Sometimes we think that the church building is where God dwells, but just as with the Israelites, God dwells in each of us. We are the church.
Also, this passage establishes an agreement between God and David that is realized in Jesus. Though David probably would have seen the promise to have a throne “established forever” as having a physical descendant on the throne throughout time, we have the benefit of seeing this promise through the New Testament, where we can match up prophecy and understand that the descendant of David is one man, Jesus, who will rule throughout time. Jesus is the fulfilment of the promise. God keeps promises.

Prayer
God forgive me for promises and commitments broken.
Often the spirit is willing but the flesh is week. Help me to forgive others who have broken their promise to me. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for the homeless and vulnerable who struggle to find shelter. For those seeking asylum and safety to be met by “no vacancy“ signs.

Advent Meditation - Thursday 10 December

“Love shall be our token
Love be yours and love be mine
Love to God and all men
Love for plea and gift and sign”
(Love Came Down at Christmas)






Readings
Psalm 36:5-9
John 3:16-21
1 John 4:7-12

Reflection
Does love—to be true—have to be extraordinary? How does love for ourselves and others continue and develop? How does an oil lamp burn? With the force of its source or with gentle drops that keep it sustained and alight.

Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry as the Good Shepherd. Advent is a time for kindness, thinking of others, and sharing with others. It is a time to love as God loved us by giving us his most precious gift. As God is love, let us be love also. Jesus is not far off but in us—in you. In your words, actions and being.

From the Gospel of John we hear: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

May we put Christ first in our lives, may we follow his footsteps, may we reveal his love to others.

Prayer
God in whom we live and move and have our being,
come teach us that you have made us your own.
You are not far from each of us,
show yourself to all who search for you.
That as you reveal yourself to us in Love we may reveal that Love to others. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for all who have shown us Christ and revealed your truth. We remember our church community that we may be inspired in new and bold ways to show your love.

Advent Meditation - Wednesday 9 December

“My Jesus, My Saviour,
Lord there is none like you
All of my days I want to praise
the wonders of your mighty love.
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength.”



Readings
Psalm 97
Isaiah 49: 8-13
Matthew 5:1-11


Reflection
How do you deal with discouragement? Do you ever feel alone or exhausted by being that seemingly lone voice that shouts out for justice? Have you felt the burden of standing up for what is right? Do you speak out for the oppressed, outcast, vulnerable, broken? Do you wait in eager anticipation for things to change? Do you ever wonder is it worth it?
I am sure if you have said yes to any of these questions, then you can sometimes feel alone in the task God has called you too. The longing and waiting for the change to happen can be heartbreaking. We all wait for something , in spite of technology and almost immediate communication - dependent upon your phone and service provider, of course!!!, we still find ourselves waiting. Waiting for that package to arrive, for that appointment or news of results, waiting in the queue that always seem to be the slowest in the supermarket. Researchers tell us we spend 5years of our life waiting inline, 2 years playing tag on the telephone and 6 months sitting at red lights (not sure they have been to Warrington though). That is 7 1/2 years waiting or getting aggravated depending on your personality. So now as we wait together for the world to change, perhaps our focus can be on our own immediate world, and the difference God makes. We could then always smile when we wait in a queue.

Prayer
Comforting God, restoring God help me again to sing your praise. Strengthen me that I may be a voice for the voiceless.
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for our local church communities. May all who meet and worship together be inspired by the story of Christ again. That in unity we will strive for justice, love mercy and walk humbly before our God.

Advent Meditation - Tuesday 8 December

Unto us a boy is born!
King of all creation,
Came he to a world forlorn
The Lord of every nation.







Readings
Psalm 21: 1-7
Zechariah 4:1-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Reflection
We live in a world in which “bigger and better” define our expectations for much of life. We have become so enamoured of super size, super stars, and “high definition” that we tend to view life through a lens that magnifies what we expect from the world—and in doing so we tend not to see potential in small things. But as the prophet Zechariah reminds us (Zech 4:10), we should not "despise the day of small things," because God does some of his best work with small beginnings and impossible situations. God often begins with small things and inadequate people. 

It certainly seems that God could have chosen "bigger" things and "better" people to do His work in the world. Yet if God can use the small things, and reveal Himself through them in such marvellous ways, it means that He might be able to use me, as inadequate, unwise, and too often lacking in faith that I am.

Prayer
Patient, life giving God
through your grace that dawned upon humankind
enable me to open my life to you so that you may
dwell in me.
That I may abide and remain with you forever.
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for all governments and local councils. Holy God inspire by your spirit that all who serve would do so with honesty and integrity. Bless all who serve others.

Advent Meditation - Monday 7 December

And to those who never listened
To the message of Thy birth,
Who have winter, but no Christmas
Bringing them Thy peace on earth,
Send to these the joyful tidings;
By all people, in each home,
Be there heard the Christmas anthem;
Praise to God, the Christ has come!


Readings
Acts 10:34-48
Philippians 2:1-11

Reflection
'Tis the season to be jolly - but what if you're feeling
anything but jolly? While Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, for many it is far from joyful. It is winter, it is often lonely and where is Christ in Christmas?
Christ is the source of healing. A primary focus of Christ’s incarnation and ministry was to bring wholeness to people. Not just physical wholeness – though he did bring that to many – but also spiritual and emotional wholeness. That is what God longs to give us more than anything else. And all of us are in need of that, because we all carry around injuries, either self-inflicted by our poor choices or inflicted on us through broken relationships, financial setbacks or physical accidents. It is these injuries that God longs to heal in our lives. They can cripple us, blind us, deafen us or make us bitter and unfit for relationships. However, the healing light of Christ’s love and compassion is at hand and can restore us to wholeness. We can walk, see, hear and love again. Let us be open to receive his light.

Prayer
Source of all that is light and life, truth and peace,
We have hope because your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.
We remember those torn apart by fear, hatred, abuse, bitterness and scars of the past. May that same peace and hope bring justice, comfort and freedom. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for whom Christmas brings no peace on earth. For those who this year have been broken by relationships with others. We remember all Pastoral visitors who seek to draw near to others.

Advent Meditation - Sunday 6 December

Long has the world fought the song of the angels;
Heavenly music is drowned by a warring world
Yet hope burns a light, that shatters the night;
Turn your heart to the call of glory.
(Glorious Light)





Readings
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 34
John 1:6-8


Reflection
Light: it made possible the beginning of our existence, illuminates our everyday lives, and, in many forms and across faith traditions, is evoked in metaphor and often manifest in as a powerful physical sign of a divine presence on earth.

Our world is transformed by our ability to use light, because our ability to switch on the power of light, also gives us the opportunity to transform our surroundings and impact our future. We see by light, we light up the darkness in order to see, and we think of light as a source of energy and potential. Such is a description of Christ -- Redeemer, Illuminator, Light of the World.

In this Advent season, may the love of Christ shine into the darkness, and reveal the honest yearning in our eyes to see the face of God. That we may be filled with light and radiate God’s very presence to others.

Prayer
Great God of Light
Shine in the dark places of this world
You are the Light of the world

Where there's hatred, shine love
Where there's injury, shine healing
Where there's darkness, shine light
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for teachers, local preachers,worship leaders, support workers and ministers that this season all may resound “let it be to me according to your will”

Advent Meditation - Saturday 5 December

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of Kings!


Readings
Isaiah 61:1-11
Matthew 3:1-12
Romans 13:11-14

Reflection
A hairy, often smelly, flea-bitten, insect-eating, sharp-tongued wilderness man. Not at all like the well-mannered softies that lived in the king's palace. But they were coming from all around to hear this John. Many would be so shaken by his message that they would be baptized.

John the Baptist was full of the Holy Spirit. That's why his words hit home with so many. But he knew there was a greater power and greater effectiveness than he could ever have. It was John's job to tell of the One to come, the Messiah, the One who would send the Holy Spirit onto those he baptized. One whose words and deeds would have even more impact than John's. One who John knew as friend and family, whom John had already come to respect and highly value, but hadn’t previously known as the One. The One was Jesus. Throughout His ministry, and in the early years of the apostles, after Jesus' death, Jesus and his followers would keep coming across people who had come to love God through John's work. Some who heeded John's call soon took up their crosses and followed Jesus. But John's call for repentance helps us prepare too, for John was just trying to get people to do what God wanted, and that's how anyone can be prepared for the presence of God-with-us.

Prayer
God our strength and our hope,
grant us the courage of John the Baptist,
to speak your truth and patiently walk the path of peace
For your name sake. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those who live and preach the gospel across the world. Bless them O God in their mission.

Advent Meditation - Friday 4 December

Sing Choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of heaven above
Glory to God in the highest.
(O Come all ye faithful)


Readings

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Jeremiah 23:5,6
Galatians 5:22

Reflection

Are you good at excuses. "I'm sorry God, I can't go to church this Sunday, I'm too tired. I got back home too late Saturday night." "I'm not going to pray or read any devotional tonight because I'm just so tired. It's 3 a.m. and I just got done with Facebook, catching up on tv and I have to get up early tomorrow. I'm sure God understands how busy I am."

Those are some classic excuses we use to compromise with God about our spiritual time with Him. We may do that over and over again and we forget that God actually delights to spend time with us. When life just seems painless and we know exactly what we are doing, then it may seem that we don't need God’s guidance in every single day of our lives. Sometimes it takes a major incident to remind us what really matters in life. Sometime it takes failures to snap us back to the reality that we need God. When all the things we do just don't feel right, that is when we realise that we really do need our God. So, have you spent time today praising God for all you have in your life and for people He has given to you to share it with? That's what really matters and God is faithful in welcoming us each time. Faithfulness shown to us in the birth of Jesus.


Prayer
Holy God may we greet thee every day of our lives afresh
Grant us Your peace, restore our joy,
and lift our worry from us, so that we can live in a way fitting for the nearness of Christ.
Amen.

Further Prayers
We pray and praise God for the faithful people we know who show time and time again the grace, mercy and faithfulness of God.

Advent Meditation - Thursday 3 December

"Though and infant now we view him
He shall fill his fathers throne
gather all the nations to him
Ev’ry knee shall then bow down."
(Angels from the Realms of Glory)





Readings
Exodus 3:1-6
Psalm 19
Luke 2: 8 and 13

Reflection

Angels, From the Realms of Glory” first appeared as a poem in Montgomery's newspaper on December 24th 1816 - the weekly Sheffield Register.

An angel with a powerful transforming message what a role and responsibility that would be. Would you like it? I am not too sure. God’s messenger sent to unsuspecting individuals with life changing news. Would you have got the words wrong? Stuttered? Made excuses? Said “Oh Mary, it will be ok”?
I wonder if Angel Gabriel practiced what to say? I wonder if he tried different beginnings to the message - “Hi Mary” - too informal; “Greetings” - not quite right; “Peace be upon you” - bit religious. How about “don't be afraid”? That seems right given she will be petrified. Well it seemed to work as it worked with the Shepherds too. The angel did well—Mary heard, Mary responded—may we too listen for God’s calling and respond—remember it may come in unexpected ways.

Prayer
Holy God, the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of your Son.
Though Mary was afraid,
she responded to your call with joy.
Help us, whom you call to serve you, to share like her in your great work of bringing to our world your love and healing.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
the light who is coming into the world. Amen.

Further Prayers
We pray for all who receive unexpected and life changing news. News of joy and also that of despair. May Our God bless and direct them.

Advent Meditation - Wednesday 2 December

“My heart feels as if its going to burst with joy
In praising God, My Saviour who sets me free
Though I’m only unimportant in the world
A lowly servant My God has remembered me.”


Readings
Psalm 132:10-16
Isaiah 7:13-15
Luke 1:46b-55

Reflection
Mary's song is a song of enormous contrasts in almost every sentence: the magnificence of the Lord and the lowliness of his servant; mercy and fear, bringing down and lifting up, filling and emptying. And in a few weeks time, we'll remember the greatest contrast human history will ever know: the birth of a Prince in a stable. There will be no palaces in this Prince's life - no silken robes, no leisure time, no fine horses to ride, no sumptuous feasts. Instead, there will be the realities of poverty, hard work and, eventually, agonising death as a most common criminal. Does Mary know all this as she speaks her inspired words? It doesn't really matter if she knew then, because we know now. As we wait this night for the magnificence of the Lord to come again to our needy world, we can remember those contrasts and God's purpose in sending us a Prince in a stable.  

Prayer
O loving God,
Whose Advent we celebrate throughout this season and the journey of hope we remember.
Come renew our hearts and minds through the presence of Christ.
May we respond with grace and humility as Mary did to the calling you place upon our lives.“Let it be to me according to your will” Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for all who face difficult challenges in life.
Transforming God help, comfort and lead us as we offer ourselves to you

Advent Meditation - Tuesday 1 December

“Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
“To me be as it pleaseth God” she said
“My Soul shall laud and magnify his holy name”
Most highly favoured lady! Gloria


Readings
Psalm 72:1– 8
Zechariah 9, 9-10
Hebrews 10:5-10

Reflection
With the Annunciation of Mary and the Incarnation of Christ, God’s purpose and intention took place in the human, created order. The event, for which all humanity had longed, came to be in the womb of a human woman in response to her faithful submission. The mystery of salvation is begun. The life of God in man begins to take form.

Mary allowed God to take her life - what a radical woman -she utterly surrendered to God’s purpose and command. “The power of the most high will overshadow you.” Which of us would like to be overshadowed? How many of us would completely surrender to God in a way that we become less as God becomes more and not for earthly riches – Mary, mostly highly favoured lady. Mary surrendered to God - do we? Will we allow God to overshadow us? Will we surrender to God’s love and care - care for others and for ourselves embracing what God has for us.

Prayer
Lord,
forgive us when we doubt your voice,
forgive our unreadiness to receive you,
make us attentive to your word and help us prepare your way.
Your way in our hearts and your way in the lives of others.
Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those who seek to bring the hope of God’s kingdom to others in our community, our churches and the world.