Just a further follow up on the Stephen Sizer case. In my original article on this, I commented that: First, there is a lot of upset and grievance generally within the conservative evangelical constituency. The result is that at times it seemed that some prominent leaders could do no right. Lots of niggles and complaints… Continue reading You didn’t respond the way we wanted
Author: faithrootsdw
The true star of Christmas
The star of Bethlehem dominates some carols and many nativity plays. I remember the nativities I was involved in at school often involving the three kings (let’s not get into that one) following a moving star all the way from the Orient (again, something for another day) to Jerusalem and then on to Bethlehem. Have… Continue reading The true star of Christmas
The inconvenient God
A friend of ours, Anna, is training for Church of England ordination and recently was asked to take an RE lesson in school. She asked the children to suggest words and phrases that they associate with God. What is God like? One child responded: God is inconvenient” What an incredible and honest statement, there’s the… Continue reading The inconvenient God
The missing verse of Christmas
I wonder what the preacher will preach on today at the Christmas Day service. There’s a good likelihood that he will pick up on the account in Luke 2. If they do, I suspect that the reading will focus on v1-20. We’ll hear about the census, the journey to Bethlehem. We may well hear quite… Continue reading The missing verse of Christmas
What I need for Christmas
Mariah Carey sung: I don’t want a lot for ChristmasThere is just one thing I needI don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas treeI just want you for my ownMore than you could ever knowMake my wish come trueAll I want for Christmas is you Songwriters: Mariah Carey / Ellis Williams / Robert Allen… Continue reading What I need for Christmas
Give me Jesus
What is Christmas all about? What is it that we most need? Later in this week I’m going to be sharing some specific thoughts on what those who are lonely, grieving, depressed, hurting need at Christmas. Spoiler alert, what we need is joy, deep unspeakable joy. That joy is found in Jesus Christ and in… Continue reading Give me Jesus
The incomprehensible God and Eternal Generation
I want to flesh out some thoughts in response to a question that Ollie Lansdowne student minister at All Souls Langham Place raised on twitter. He raised the question as a statement which he then offered a poll for people to give their choice ranging from hard yes to hard no. Then he offered his… Continue reading The incomprehensible God and Eternal Generation
Hope in the aftermath of grief
This is a guest article from my dad, Roger Williams. Dad was due to preach at a little church north of Bradford last Sunday and was preparing his sermon whilst my mum was in hospital. After mum died, dad felt strongly that he had been given a message to bring and that he should fulfil… Continue reading Hope in the aftermath of grief
How accurate is your nativity play?
The Sunday School nativity is one of the great traditions of Christmas. Dish out a few carboard crowns and tea towels, find some white tunics and tinsel, then get the children to act out the events of Christmas. But how accurate are our nativity plays and how much do they rely on tradition rather than… Continue reading How accurate is your nativity play?
Preaching at the carol service
So, it’s Sunday evening in the week before Christmas and the church building is packed. This is probably the largest gathering you are likely to see all year, even if you pastor a large congregation. There are lots of visitors. You recognise some friends and family of church members who have come with them. Then,… Continue reading Preaching at the carol service
