Friday 24 December - Holy Night - Remembering

Remembering

Readings - 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 Psalm 89 :and Luke 1:67-79

“Praise be to the God of Israel” Luke 1:68

Reflection
On this Silent Night who are you remembering? As one year draws near its end and we recall its joys and sorrows, may our God, the maker of heaven and earth, manifest, in a child, be ever present with us in our remembering.
Each year we recount the familiar story - Mary and Joseph, the donkey, the star, angels, shepherds, cattle, stable and wise men? The story is steadfast, true and we know it so well. We have heard it, sung it and read it countless times over our years - so what changes with each passing year?

Do we appreciate more of the depth of love that brought God into our world in this vulnerable form? The immense losses that God suffered in the sacrifices of the incarnation? For yes, God has suffered loss too. God know. God understands. God has come to stand alongside us. What changes? We change - as we embrace this story once more may we open ourselves to the miracle of God with us.

Prayer

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heaven
No ear can hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Show me O God this night how to sing with angels, respond like the shepherds, gaze in adoration like Mary and Joseph and offer like the innkeeper. May I again respond to the familiar story with recognition, love and gratitude. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

We pray and remember all who this day long for stillness and silence.

For countries at war

For communities in turmoil

For individuals threatened by abuse and violence

Thursday 23 December - Light

Light

Readings - Malachi 3: 1-4, Psalm 150 and Luke 1: 57-66

“I will send my messenger” Malachi 3:1

Reflection
And is it true,
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,
A Baby in an ox's stall ?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a Child on earth for me ?
Sir John Betjeman

There are only a few windows left on the advent calendar to open, a few notches of the advent candle to burn down. Nearly there! The birth of any baby is a wonderful, amazing thing. It is one of those things that takes our breath away. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of a most special baby, may the light of understanding and wonder lead us to a place of praise and worship.

It is only natural that parents and families have dreams and hopes for their newborn. Some sadly project their own lives on to them and others painfully abandon any hope based on their own life experience. But we should not overlook what the child already is: a child of God, one who is graced with a profound dignity and an eternal destiny. Not because of anything the child or its parents have done, but by the grace of the child of Bethlehem.

Prayer
All powerful God,
You made known the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, by the light of a star.
May you continue to guide me with light and purpose.
Enlighten me with your radiance and strengthen me with your care.
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

We pray for all who long to celebrate with family and friends yet cannot.

For those:

serving in aid organisations or the military.

in prison

in hospital

who grieve and mourn

Wednesday 22 December - Christ Bearers

Christ Bearers

Readings - 1 Samuel 1:24-28 1 Samuel 2, 1, 4-8 and Luke 1: 46-56

“Now I give him to the Lord” 1 Samuel 1:24

Reflection
Throughout the world the song of the Magnificat is prayed by countless people.Mary’s prayer reveals the great desire of a nation in a glorious song:

God casts down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. The hope of Mary is that the unjust domination of Rome and the unspiritual leadership of the Jewish scribes will not last.
God fills the empty with good things and the rich are sent away empty. Whilst hard to feel empty and acknowledge our need for God, we are then filled with blessings which are new every morning.
God has come to help his servant Israel and remembers his promise of mercy. Mary needed this help with Joseph, her family, the towns-people and God intervened.

We too are called to be Christ bearers in our world—yet first we need to receive him in our hearts. We are called out of our comfort zone to show mercy and compassion. May we be like Mary and respond with joy, eagerness and anticipation.

Prayer
Source of all that is light and life, truth and peace,
I have hope because your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.
I remember those who feel lowly and insignificant., who feel empty and abandoned. May peace and hope bring justice, comfort and freedom. Amen

Additonal Prayer Ideas
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.

Tuesday 21 December -To Help

To Help

Readings - Song of Songs 2:8-14, Psalm 33 and Luke 1: 39-45

“Why should the Mother of my Lord visit me” Luke 1:43

Reflection
Both Elizabeth and Mary are in changing circumstances. Elizabeth, sadly reconciled to not having children, finds herself pregnant and with a husband unable to speak. Mary is facing an uncertain future and the possibility of a child born out of wedlock. Yet both women are free enough in their spirits to praise God for all that God is doing in their lives.

In the midst of their changing circumstances they do not lose sight of God’s hand in their lives. As we approach Christmas, is the busyness and change to our routine causing us to lose sight of God’s hand on our lives?

But Mary did not go to Elizabeth to sing the Magnificat but to help her. In the same way, we must not go to our neighbours only to reveal to them the spiritual treasure we carry in our hearts, but also to share with them their sorrows, burdens, joys and responsibilities. If we do this then the time will come when we shall be able to open our hearts in order to share our spiritual riches with our neighbours. Then, together, we will be able to love the one who has shown us how to live in peace with one another.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I long for your coming
O Come O Come Emmanuel.
Jesus came bringing the reality of peace and righteousness.
O Come O Come Emmanuel.
Jesus is coming again into our world bringing the realisation of God’s kingdom.
O Come O come Emmanuel
And ransom our captive souls. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for those struggling with change.
For those fearful of finances,those without paid work.
We remember those who fear the changes ahead of them.
May they know God’s peace.

Monday 20 December - Gods Ways Not Ours.

Gods Ways Not Ours

Readings - Isaiah 7:10-14, Psalm 24 and Luke 1:26-38

“The Lord himself will give you a sign” Isaiah 7:10

Reflection
We are on the brink of the nativity. Our sense of the one to come has been stretched, challenged, recast over the last few weeks. This astonishing revelation that God is confident enough to be vulnerable and confident in us to be vulnerable to us.

King Ahaz needed the appearance of strength and not vulnerability to carry out his military duties. Isaiah challenges the King to imagine what God may be like yet the King refuses, declaring he will not test God. Isaiah unhappy at the response seeks a sign from God - a sign of gentleness, quiet and ordinary, yet one which will
transform. A sign of a virgin with child bearing a son - Immanuel. That was so probably so far from the King’s mind but the truth is that God’s ways are not ours. God can be found in the most trying of circumstances for God is in all..

This day will you look for God?
Will you ask God for a sign?
Not a sign to test God but a sign to see God. For if you look you will find God in the ordinary, vulnerable and willing. You will find God in the one who holds your hand and in the one who cares for you. “Seek and you shall find”

Prayer

God of light I wait.
Give me freedom to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Let your light shine out for all to see by turning to those who call for my help.
Let me never turn a closed ear and heart away from the world.
Heal our world. Heal our past. Heal our community and churches.
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

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.

Sunday 19 December - Prayer - 4th Sunday in Advent

Prayer

Readings - Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 Psalm 71 and Luke 1 5-25

“Your prayer has been heard” Luke 1:13


Reflection
What an answer to prayer it was for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Childlessness was regarded as a disgrace in the Jewish culture at that time so their “fruitfulness” was focused on their spiritual lives by praying for and serving others with love.
Zechariah and Elizabeth waited and they waited. The waiting room is the place where time stands still. In the doctors, the dentist, the hospital waiting room it seems as though hours have passed then we view the clock and it is only ten minutes. When in a waiting room the world seems to come to halt– time slows almost to a stand still!

When the Bible extols us to “Wait upon the Lord”, we find if painfully difficult We live in a world where waiting is a rare phenomena. Waiting in line, people cut in. Waiting on the phone with the same tedious tune being played causes our blood pressure to rise as well as our phone bills. Why wait when we can have it now? Credit, fast food….we want it now but sometimes we just can’t have it now. Waiting is hard. The news for a test result, for health to improve, waiting for Mr or Mrs Right, the weight to drop off or go up.

When struggling with waiting may I encourage you to look at the life of Elizabeth and Zechariah, who encourage us to look to God and to remember that those who wait will mount up with wings like eagles. Dear friend, in your waiting may you know the God of hope.

The word gospel actually means “good news”. How fitting that is as we remember our responses to the cry “this is the gospel of Christ” and we respond “Glory to Christ our Saviour”

Prayer

I wait and look for you in my life.
I wait longing for the news I desperately want to hear.
I wait in desperation.
Help me to remember that “your grace is sufficient for me” that all I cling to I can lay at your feet. So I lay it down, my tears, my fears .. my all. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

We remember all who wait.

For all whose waiting will bring joy.

For those whose waiting will bring sorrow.

We pray that all will know God’s patience and love.

Saturday 18 December - What shall i do?

What shall I do?

Readings - Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 117 and Matthew 1:18-25

“Joseph woke, he did what the angel said”

Reflection
Joseph has a decision to make and it is not an easy one. He saw what could be his new family, Mary the one to whom he was betrothed and her extended family including the deeply religions Zechariah. It was all looking wonderful when suddenly it all changed.

Mary had just returned form visiting Zechariah a true and deeply religious man when Joseph found out she was with child. What would Zechariah had said? If he accepted Mary’s account of things then why not Joseph. But it is difficult when you are the one directly involved - all advice is great, but in the end it is down to you.

Then Joseph has a revelation that changes everything. He sees something of the bigger picture. This child’s family is wider than he could ever imagine—this family involves you and me and heirs of God’s kingdom. It is no longer about genes it is about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for we are all one in God’s eyes.

Our dilemmas are seldom resolved by divine intervention—at least not an angel Gabriel kind. We reflect, we pray, we ponder and seek advice then take action. If we honestly follow a process of surrendering to God then we can be at peace—even if the decision turns out to be wrong. We can comfort ourselves and be assured of God’s blessing if we can say “we made the best and most honest decision with the knowledge we had at the time.

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.
May I be like Joseph willing to be obedient to your voice. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
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.

Friday 17 December - It's just a list or is it?

It's just a list or is it?

“The Lord has established his throne in heaven” Psalm 103:19

Readings - Genesis 49:2, 8-10, Psalm 103 and Matthew 1:1-17

Reflection
Do you avoid it? Reading the Genealogy of Jesus? It’s rare, in fact I can safely say, that I have never heard this read at a nine lessons or carol service.
Family tree investigation is a growing phenomenon. There are a number of websites, courses, books to help you track down your ancestors, who they are, where they lived and other relevant information in relation to your family history. The television programme “Who do you think you are?” illustrates this even further as delving into the past of famous people releases unknown information.

The first century Christian converts were also curious about the genealogy of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke present it in their gospel narratives. Listeners to the gospel may easily switch off to the long list of names. But there are three striking things about these readings.

Firstly, it reminds us of the humanity of Jesus. Like each of us Jesus had a human history, all who fought and loved, sinned and repented, were faithful and unfaithful to the religion of Israel. Secondly, Jesus’ bloodline was not pure. It involved many characters involving people who broke promises, were prostitutes, adulterers, idolaters and corrupt. Not a pretty picture but Jesus is “one like us in all things except sin”. Finally, it is Joseph’s line that we trace not Marys - God’s fulfilment and the willingness of Joseph and Mary. Nothing is insignificant—not with God
involved.

Prayer

Comforting and restoring God help me again to sing your praise.

Help me to learn from past, embrace the present and hope in the future. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

We pray for whom Christmas brings on 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.

Thursday 16 December - For Everybody

For Everybody

Readings - Isaiah 56, 1-3, 6-8, Psalm 67 and John 5:33-36

“Do what is right” Isaiah 56:1

Reflection

Inclusiveness. We don't want to see anyone excluded from our communities and our churches—do we? The reading from Isaiah is a strong proclamation of a desire for inclusiveness and not exclusion. For God’s house is a “house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7). This would be a really hard thing for the Jews to accept as they had come to the realisation that they were the only ones to receive God’s favour. But now they were being required to expand their ideas, their vision and their understanding of what was required of them.

Do our church decisions, policies and procedures exclude others within and outside of our church? Some Christians and churches see themselves as the only ones who will be saved - they exclude others. Is this what the “gospel”, which is translated as “good news” actually means? Whilst we continue to have division in our churches, locally,nationally and world wide how can we be “partners of the gospel?” (Philippians 1)

As we approach a time when shepherds and kings, religious and non-religious witnessed the birth of Jesus—may we openly welcome and beckon others to draw near. Then we will know what a true house of prayer can achieve.

Prayer
Welcoming God
I come as stranger yet as friend to you.
There is much I seek to know about you, yet the more I know the more I fail to understand.
May I willingly extend my hand in friendship to others, those similar and those different to me. May I share with them a journey of life and faith.
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We remember those seeking a place of acceptance in out town, churches and streets.

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.

Wednesday 15 December - Change?

Change?

Readings - Isaiah 54:1-10, Psalm 30 and 1 John 4:7-8

“My unfailing love for you will not be shaken” Isaiah 54:10

Reflection

What a tender passage we find in Isaiah, God has allowed the Babylonians to conquer the Israelites and take them captive. Yet now we see the king of Babylon allowing them to return to him no longer will “Israel” be barren, but fruitful. She has learned through suffering. God reveals “a change of heart” that after “a brief abandoning” God will take them back.

The question of God changing is perhaps a constant mystery. Does God change? God’s love, tender and mercy never does. God does not abandon - God never says “I give up”. Instead tenderness, mercy and love are ours. Signs of which we see constantly in each other, even those who we struggle will. God’s love is constant.

John Henry Newman suggests “to live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often.” If this perfection is a humble, gentle, patient love of God and our neighbour, if it is ruling our tempers, actions and words (as perhaps is
indicated by John Wesley’s teaching on Christian perfection) then maybe we do need to change.

As we journey towards the stable do you need a genuine reconciliation with God and others? As you consider this may you also rejoice in God’s mercy whose love is
everlasting.

Prayer

God in whom I live and move and have my being, come teach me that you have made me your own.
You are not far from me, show yourself to me again this day.
That as you reveal yourself to me in Love I may reveal that Love to others. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
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.

We pray for a fresh vision as we look ahead to changing times in the life of the church.

Tuesday 14 December - The List

The List

Readings - Psalm 96, Matthew 2 and Ephesians 3: 1-13

“The giver not the gift”

Reflection

Have you made a list and posted it to Greenland? Are you frequently asked “what would you like?” when all along you have what you need. I wonder what you feel about the list below.

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." - Oren Arnold

The gift I can give to another need not be costly in world terms. A moment of my time to show I care, the long overdue phone call or letter as a reminder that the other is in our hearts. Within these gifts we find the essence of joy because of the spirit in the which the gifts are given And what of the gifts we receive? The ones we are uncomfortable with—the ones that don’t quite fit. I am sure some go to EBay or even dare I suggest the next church fayre. What of the ones which reach out in reconciliation and friendship? Are we as quick to dismiss them as we do the unwanted box of hankies.

Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as stewards and not owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions can be light in our Advent by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts.

Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I doubt your voice,
forgive my unreadiness to receive you,
make me attentive to your word and help me prepare your way. Your way in my heart and your way in the lives of others. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all young people and children, our local schools and those involved in youth and children activities in our local churches.

Monday 13 December - Rejoicing

Rejoicing

Readings - Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 34 and Matthew 21:28-32

“Repent and believe” Matthew 21:32

Reflection

Yesterday, the third Sunday in Advent, is considered by some to be Gaudete Sunday. The word "gaudete" comes from the imperative form of the Latin verb "gaudeo," which means to rejoice or take delight in. In Latin, the imperative form of a verb is a direct command. The third candle (the pink candle in some traditions) extols us to
“rejoice”.

At the time of Zephaniah, the worship of false gods and the immorality that accompanied this worship had corrupted Jerusalem. The text preceding this joyful reading is a prophecy of God's punishment and judgment. It is so easy to become discouraged by all that happens around us that if we are not careful our attitudes and lives can mirror those of the world and not of God.

When did you last speak praise of God in your prayer time? When was the last time your prayer time was full of thankfulness rather than prayer of petition? Have you tried thanking God for the person that constantly frustrates and hurts you?
When we come before God in repentance seeking a change within us - the response is not just one of acceptance but that of deep joy. God rejoices over us. God rejoices over us with singing - Zephaniah 3:14.

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

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for those who are worried and anxious. For those who are hurt by waiting for news.
We remember those who cannot rejoice.

Sunday 12 December - I See Him

I See Him

Readings - Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Psalm 123 and Matthew 21: 23-27

“I see him , but not now.” Numbers 24:17

Reflection

The Israelites have moved into the promised land, and are occupying more of it. The neighbours, the Moabites led by their King Balak, are becoming increasingly alarmed that these newcomers are pushing them out. Summoning the prophet Balaam they order him to curse the Israelites. God intervenes and speaks to Balaam saying he has blessed them and he must not curse them. King Balak then seeks to influence Balaam by offering him gifts to curse the Israelites and his response is to use the words of God and then to add his own. “The Lord is near and a star advances” suggests Balaam.

What a gentle reminder mid way through our Advent journey, that Christ’s coming draws near. Balaam, a pagan had some knowledge of God and spoke what God wished him to speak.

May our words speak God’s truth , may our eyes see God working and may we respond by following God in holiness and obedience.

Prayer

Faithful God,
Prophets called your people to make a road through the desert, fit for a king.
They were called to prepare a way for your coming God I want to travel towards Bethlehem not out of tradition or expectation but with a desire for a fresh experience of your love.
Help me to travel with a willing heart.
Help me to lay down all that would hinder me from drawing closer to you this Christmas.
Help me to clear the way so that my life journey may lead me closer to you.
Help me to see you in a variety of places and may I never limit you. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

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”

Saturday 11 December - Pointing to God

Pointing to God

Readings - Psalm 126 and Matthew 17:9-13

“The Lord has done great things for us” Psalm 126:3

Reflection

At one of the local hospitals there is a sign on the grounds which points people to “mino njuries.” Fortunately you can work out the missing letters and figure out what it is saying and get directed to the right place. But what happens when you miss the clues? When it doesn’t make sense and you cannot find your way?

Matthews reading follows Jesus’ transfiguration. A common belief among Jews was that Elijah would pave the way to the Messiah (Malachi 3:23). Have you ever heard people say something like?

I became a Christian because I saw others (my friends, my partner, my child or work colleagues) living out their faith in a convincing way.
I quit church because of how I saw people treating others….it didn’t make sense.

So many people throughout our lives have pointed us to Christ. Whether it is our intention or not our words and a actions reveal God to others - or do they? Do we point others Christ or do we confuse people? Do our actions betray the faith we have or allow others to be guided to God? It is our choice.

Prayer

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no feet but yours, no hands but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which the compassion
of Christ is to look out on a hurting world.
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless all now. Teresa of Avila

Holy God may my life, my words and my actions point others to the miracle of your coming. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

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

We pray and give thanks for who have pointed us to Jesus.

We pray for opportunities of revealing Christ’s love to others

Friday 10 December - Pleasing Everyone

Pleasing Everyone

Readings - Isaiah 48:17-19, Psalm 1:1-6, Matthew 11:16-19

“If only you had paid attention to my commands”

Reflection

It’s hard to please everyone. You just cannot do it. But should we try? Does our own happiness rely on the happiness of others. If that is so, then we are probably at a hiding to nothing!

Isaiah tells us about our priorities “If only had paid attention to my commands.” Have you ever experienced that despair when we have ignored a warning sign, not followed the instructions and things have gone wrong.

Mother Teresa, one who showed the compassion of God in dramatic ways in the down trodden streets of Calcutta says, “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you...yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your sister and brother and offer them your hand”

God commands us to love. Not to worry about pleasing others - simply to love them - to bring the spirit of Christmas into our world.

Prayer

God of forgiveness,
I turn to you in my weakness and humanness and seek your help.

Let me feel the joy growing in my heart as I anticipate your coming.
I hear the message of the prophets of old and know that the Messiah will bring
new life and new ways of living.

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

Additional Prayer Ideas

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