Lord I am not worthy to receive - 9 December

Reflection

Have you ever been accused of having selective hearing? Or hearing what you want to hear? Today's scripture reminds us of the danger in having ears that hear, but don't understand. Isaiah was called to preach to a group of people who weren't going to listen to him... hardhearted people who were going to hear what they wanted to hear.

We face this danger every time we hear a sermon or open scripture. Our tendency is to read what we want to read... and to hear what we want to see. We expect God to fit into the boxes that we construct for Him, and to act according to our expectations. This Advent, we're reminded that Jesus didn't come the way people expected. Instead, he came as a baby in a manger, born in a rough stable behind a busy inn. May our eyes and ears be open, that we see Him when He comes to us today.

Prayer
We worship you eternal and everlasting God;
Alpha and Omega – the first and the last.
For you are the source of all life.
You set the world in motion, creating solar systems and planets;
You are beyond our understanding more than we can ever imagine.

Thank you for your love, the delicate wrapping in which you enfold us from our beginning to our end. We are not worthy yet we open our hearts to receive your love. Amen

Readings

Isaiah 6:1-13, Matthew 3: 1-12, 1 John 4:1-6

Hymn/song
Love Came down at Christmas

Indeed he is coming - 8 December

Refection
Malachi prophesied during the post-exilic period. During this time, as people returned to Jerusalem and the temple was restored, there was great hope among the Israelites. But these hopes were soon dashed. The priesthood had lost their way, engaging in practices that violated the laws governing ritual sacrifice and failing to guide and teach the people. The widows and orphans, and all those the torah demands the people of Yahweh protect, were suffering under oppression and neglect.

Into this setting Malachi promises a messenger will come to remind the people of the covenant. This reminder will come as a shock to the ones who have lost their way, and the message will be painful. However, through this messenger God will draw near and draw the people back into a covenant relationship with God.

For Malachi, this messenger will come soon and not without violence. “Indeed he is coming…but who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire.”

God loves perfectly and completely and Gods love is one of action—giving, guiding and guarding.


Prayer
Lord, may we who have plenty live simply so that others may simply live. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 85, Malachi 4:1-6, Luke 1:76-80, Ephesians 5:1-21

Hymn/Song
Hills of the North rejoice

Blessed are the .. 7 December

Reflection

Christ has come.. Christ will come again..
We might expect people in general to get anxious about the things of our world: a difficult economy, a growing disparity between the rich and the poor of the world, natural disasters, and much more..
Yet for all who proclaim and follow the Christ, our anxiety is of a different sort. We anticipate especially during Advent, we remember that Christ is already Lord and so we anticipate his coming again.

Despite difficult or disappointing situations, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite loneliness, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite changed circumstances, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite unexpected situations, Jesus is already Lord.
Despite my mistakes, your disappointment, our inadequacy or anything else that would cause us to be brought down…Jesus is already Lord.
Jesus turns everything upside down and always will.

Prayer

O God, the burdens of the world are so heavy, yet you do not faint
O God, the cries of the needy are so great, yet you do not grow weary
I offer to you my faint heart that you will give me courage
I offer to you my weakness that you will make me strong
I offer to you my praise for you lift me up on eagle’s wings
I offer to you my adoration for you take away my weariness
In this Advent season I wait expectantly on You for You offer so much more than I can dream of receiving.
Amen

Readings
Psalm 34, Matthew 5:1-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Hymn/Song
Light of the World

Rejoice Highly Favoured One - 6 December

Reflection
I was standing on the top of the hill and looked over the most amazing view, there was little to be said. I whispered, “Who am I, Lord, that you would show me such favour?” I was in awe of the scene. Ancient words pierced my thoughts. “Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:28 NKJV

But these words were for Mary, the mother of Jesus, not for one as unworthy as me. Yet God replies to us all Mary was chosen to carry my son in her womb. You were fashioned to carry Him in your heart. Highly favoured. Chosen. Called by the Creator of the universe. Purposed for Gods work. Equipped. How will this be? But this is how God refers to you. You are highly favoured, you are chosen, You are loved, you are important. In our quest for telling others the good news have we forgotten such grace, such mercy for you. Our God who has spanned all time has a love which surpasses all and it is this love which we celebrate and glory in. To know Christ and to make him known—that is what it is all about.

Prayer
Lord, inspire me to live in such a way that my choices each day and my commitment to live in a positive way may transform the negative into something positive, and the ordinariness of daily life into something extraordinary. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 150, Luke 1:28, Philippians 3:1-11

Hymn/Song
All I once held dear

Let it be to me - 5 December

Reflection

When reading Mary’s response to Gods invitation the words that jump out are “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Did she know what she was agreeing to? Did she know the scorn and ridicule she would suffer as an unwed mother? Did she know that people would hold that against her son as he grew up (John 8:41)? Did she know the pain she would experience when her son died a young man, an innocent man dying a criminal’s death?

I have no idea what she knew or thought at the time. She didn’t know either. However, as her spiritual father Abraham followed God wherever He led even if he didn’t know where it was going to be, she was willing to pursue whatever God had in store for her. Do we need to have this attitude as we read God’s word? “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” May we have the faith and trust that God’s way works. Whatever God has in store for us will be all right in the end, even if it leads through hard and difficult times.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for knowing me better than I know myself,
and for letting me know myself better than others know me. Help me to grow in grace, faith and discipleship.
Holy God I consider the things of my life that I keep hidden from others. Show me how I may lay down the obstacles of life that prevent me from drawing closer to you. Teach me your ways God. Amen

Readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 1: 26-38, 2 Peter 3:8-15

Hymn/Song
Behold the Servant of the Lord

Prepare the Way of the Lord - 4 December

Reflection
A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD!

Prepare the Way of the Lord cries the forerunner John. Our God comes with power to save us. Each of us can name what it is we long to be saved from. There are things in our lives that distract us from the full relationship God longs for.
Today, let's imagine ourselves freer. Throughout the day, let's picture new ways of responding to challenging relationships, habitual sins, and other ruts we are in. This day can you picture what a difference you could make and what memory could be created for ourselves and others. We are God’s ambassadors land thus when people see us they expect to see God - do they? As we envision our freedom we can experience how much our God desires to save us.

Prayer
Almighty God, I hear it over and over: you are coming to me.
I feel my heart stir in anticipation, and I sense that you are inviting me to enter more deeply into the mystery of your birth.
Help me to feel renewed patience settle in my heart, and to lift my face in joy.
I have been like a lost lamb, but I hear your voice calling me and I feel how deeply you want me to return.
Somehow I know that you rejoice in my desire to find you.
Help me not to be afraid to say out loud, to believe:
Here is God, coming into my life.

Readings

Psalm 118:19-29;Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11;Luke 21:25-36

Hymn/Song
On Jordan's Bank

Do you believe I can do this? 3 December

Reflection
I just cannot believe it. What am I going to do?

The story of Mary and Elizabeth reflects the courage of a young girl who truly believes her faith and on that of an old woman who was blessed with the Holy Spirit, allowing her to see the purpose and the glory of her life. In our age, as the young sit at the feet of the old and reflect upon changing times, the young ask how they are to live in this age. We must be encouraged by the example of these two women who share their faith together and uphold one another in their time of promise. We reflect upon Mary and Elizabeth, and see that they are able to reach out and bless one another. Elizabeth reassures Mary in the power of their Lord, and the young girl also blesses her. How we must remember the importance of family and friends! We must look to one another to help us through our trials, which are before us every day.

Prayer
God of Strength,
I need your courage.
You offer to make firm the knees that are weak.
Only you know how frightened I so often am.
And you do offer me strength. There is the promise of your Son's coming and knowing that you will save me.
I can't do this on my own no matter how often I think I can.
Give me the humility to ask for your help and open heart to accept
your healing and love in my life. Amen

Readings
Psalm 72, Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:39-45

Hymn/Song
My Jesus, My Saviour

Someone Great is Coming - 2 December

Reflection

Are you anticipating guests and the fellowship of friends during this holiday? Many of us are, but did not John the Baptist prophesy someone greater is coming? Many thought John the Baptist was someone he was not (the Messiah); likewise many think Santa Claus is someone he is not (the reason for Christmas).

When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the light in our hearts would replaced by the lights on our houses. It is a long time since A.D. 353 or even 1832. How long has it been since the greatness of it took centre stage during your Christmas festivities? As we approach December 25 again, we have another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all our celebration and excitement and the unfortunate commercialization which surround Christmas today, we need to consider that someone greater – Jesus Christ. Make Christ the centre of your Christmas.

Prayer

Holy God, I acknowledge my great need of you. When I think of the void my life would be without you it brings a sense of fear and trembling to my heart. But in that fear and trembling remind me that you are never far from me, even when I chosen different paths. Thank you for how much you love me. I thank you for your grace that called to me even before I recognised your voice. I am yours. Amen

Reading

Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-46, Philippians 2:1-11

Hymn/Song
Sing we the King who is coming to reign

God Within - 1 December

Reflection
We are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God, by our receiving his real stamp upon our souls; being made the partakers of the divine nature. This is, indeed, the design of his dwelling in us, to heal our disordered souls, and to restore that image of his upon our nature.” – John Wesley

We believe that God is already alive and active within us. Do we dare believe this? Are we really able to have the mind and heart of Zachariah, Elizabeth and Mary to hope that what God has begun in us will be fulfilled according to God’s plan for us? When was God last active in us? Do we sometimes spend so much time talking about God we forget to talk to God? The Scriptures tell us that the whole purpose of prayer and community is to support, celebrate and affirm what God is already doing within each one of us and in the whole community. God is within you. The flame of God’s life is in us, is alive in us already!

Prayer

Jesus, protector, I long for your coming.
The promise of new light and life is before me, give me the faith to believe in your presence this day.
Protect me from dangers and lead me through the darkness to the joy I so long to find in you.
Lift me from my sins and give me the promise and assurance of salvation with no more shame, only the light and saving grace of your love. May your peace come to my life and may it be evident in my relationships and daily living. Amen

Readings
Psalm 145, John 17, Hebrews 2: 5-15

Hymn/Song
Come thou Long Expected Jesus

An Unexpected Encounter - 30 November

Reflection

What comes to mind when you think of the word “faithful”? Do you think of commitment, loyalty, devotion, sticking with something even when it seems impossible or when it doesn’t make sense?

In Isaiah 1 we have God telling Israel that he has had enough of burnt offerings and sacrifices. The rituals they practiced had become an empty burden. What God wanted from them was faithfulness, to reach out to the oppressed, defend orphans and care for the widows. God asks them to look beyond themselves and see a hurting world that needed help and care.

As we think of those in our families, churches, community and world that need a reminder that God is present how can we show that? What can we do? Praying for a world in need brings us closer to our God. Acting this prayer out can bring others closer to God too. Just imagine you too can be the unexpected encounter others have with our living God. May God bless you in your rich encounters.

Prayer
Lord God I praise you for creating me and restoring me through
Jesus.
Word becoming flesh, Word indwelling
Word transforming, Word restoring
Word challenging, Word healing
Word sharing our weakness and making us whole. Amen

Readings
Isaiah 1:10-20, Matthew 8:1-4, 1 John 4:7-12 

Hymn/Song
O the bitter shame and sorrow

Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive - 29 November

Reflection
Isaiah 7:14 “ The Lord of his own accord will give you a sign; it is this: A young woman is with child, and she will give birth to a son and call him Immanuel” (Revised English Bible).

It seems so strange to think about the last supper during Advent. Don’t we have our seasons wrong? But as we pause, waiting to celebrate God made flesh, we have glimpses and reminders of his flesh and blood. We see God present in Christ’s first meal as well as his last. In those early days, Christ’s body was made vulnerable and small, totally dependent on his parents for everything. We are reminded of the depth of his love for us. Who among us would take the place of a child?

We see Christ reflected in the youngest baby gathered in worship. We see Christ reflected in an expectant mother. This is his Body, given for us. We are expectant parents in these days of Advent, men and women watching for signs of Christ born among us . Jesus came as a swaddled infant, then as a toddler scattering crumbs of bread, eventually as the honoured host. His grace has permeated our lives from beginning to end. We learn from Him the customs of His Table.

Prayer
Risen Lord, be known to me in the breaking of the bread.” Bless my table, Lord, to be a place of holy fellowship. Make me aware, this season, of how you are present among us. Amen

Readings
Isaiah 7:13-15, Luke 2:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Hymn/Song:
Born in the Night

God so Loved the World - 28 November

Reflection
Where did we get the idea of gift giving at Christmas? Of course there are the three gifts of the Magi and that is great in showing the elect paying homage. But John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son” is the true message of Christmas. This is the Christmas Story. John doesn’t reveal the how of the birth of Jesus. The New English Bible translation puts it “for this is the way God loved the world. He gave everything.”

The definition of love is action. God is giving and God’s action of giving is love. The real story of Christmas is not our gift giving but of God’s giving. It takes an intervention of God in human history to fix the world. This is no pretty picture—there is something wrong in the world - wrong that we cannot fix, nor science, nor philosophy, nor education ..it is God acting in love. Oh what a gift.

Prayer

Lord, give us hearts that never forget your love; to remain in your love whatever we do, whether we are asleep or awake, whether we work or rest. For your love is eternal life and everlasting rest; for this is life eternal - to know you and your infinite goodness.

May the flame of your eternal love never be quenched in our hearts; let it grow and brighten, till our whole souls are glowing and shining with its light and warmth. Amen

Readings

Psalm 130, Malachi 3:1-4, John 3: 16-21; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Song/Hymn
God is Love

Being Awake or Woken Up - 27 November

Reflection

If we think of Advent as being a time of preparedness and of being attentive then this First Sunday of Advent calls us to be awake. Being caught napping at a critical point can at times be embarrassing. To be caught out in this way can result in us missing out on so much.

May we be ever vigilant to God’s Spirit moving in this world. Underpinning this vigilance is the hope that God will deliver on promises, in God’s time and in God’s way. On our side, may there be a deep yearning in us for the coming of the Lord, and God’s bringing to completion what was achieved in His death and resurrection. Is this desire for the Lord to come again strong in our hearts? Or are we quite happy to settle for the ‘same again, please’ of a more worldly celebration of Christmas, focussing on the elements that we enjoy but which are quite empty if they are taken away from their Christian origins and the hope for the future? May we be awake to God’s presence.

Prayer

Thank you Creator God.  
What a gift this day is from you from the blazing sunrise through a cloudy winter sky to the setting sunset.  
Lord in this day, may you gift me with a sight that I often miss at other times of year, when the weather is warmer and the sun rises before I get up.  In this day may I be aware of your grace lighting up my life. As I wait and watch in silence for your coming may I be filled with a sense of your presence in my life. Amen

Readings
Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:37-44 and Romans 13:11-14

Song or Hymn:
O come O Come Emmanuel

A promise .....

Have you ever had a promise broken? Of course you have - we all have. Some of those broken promises are more significant than others and some have lasting impressions. Our lives are filled with promises made by ourselves and others.

Each year Methodist Church members affirm their promises made at baptism and confirmation and recommit themselves to God. This is done in the Covenant Service which takes place in January or September (the start of the Methodist Year). Central in this service is holy communion, the time we remember God's everlasting covenant with us and how much we are worth to God. Our covenant to God is to follow and surrender to God's will and purpose. This means we are called to do things that are natural to us and others things we are not.

The Covenant Prayer is not easy to say, it challenges us in deep ways.

I am no longer my own but yours.
Put me to what you will,
rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing,
put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you,
or laid aside for you,
exalted for you,
or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.'

In our world we prize our ability to make decisions and choose our own path in life. It can feel very hard to give that up. But this coveant prayer is like a love poem. It is about surrendering to God in love and joy. When we ofer this covenant prayer to God we can be assured that God, in mercy and grace, has already made a covenant with us. This covenant we see suprememly in Jesus as God's presence to us.

May God bless us as we journey with God in our lives.

Additional Prayers and Reflections

I have found these prayers so helpful - I hope you do to. May I wish you a very Happy Christmas.

To Bring Salvation

The Lord of the world did not consider it right to allow human beings,
for love of whom everything had been made,
to be besieged by sin and to be sold like slaves to death.
For this reason he assumed human form,
hid his invisible nature under visible guise,
and kept the visible nature free from the stain of sin.
Undoubtedly, it would have been easy for him
to save the human race without assuming the garment of the flesh.
He could have overthrown the power of death by a simple act of will.
He could have made the father of that power, sin,
disappear by exiling it from the earth in such a way
that no trace of it would remain on the earth.
Instead of that, he chose to demonstrate the holiness of his providential care.
To restore salvation to human beings
he did not employ as his servants the angels or archangels,
nor cause a piercing voice to resound from heaven.
He preferred to build for himself a chamber in the womb of the Virgin
and from there to come among us.
For this reason we think of him as man and adore him as God.
Begotten of the Father before the beginning of time,
he took of the Virgin a visible body.
He is the Being who is both new and pre-existent.

Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus
(393-460)

Prayer
Still, my Soul be Still

As I gaze in awe and thanksgiving at the manger soften my heart that I may
again be touched deeply by the truths of this season.

I offer my life in humility - help me recognise I am an inheritor of your kingdom and share in your work and joy.
Prepare our hearts and soothe the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will lavish on us. Amen