For Starters What is it that you are eagerly awaiting as we come into Christmas. I expect that if you are a 5 year old then it is the promise of a present 3x the size of you! Maybe some of us are looking forward to the promise of a few days off, food, music,… Continue reading A son out of Egypt Hosea 11:1
Tag: The Promise
He is stronger than the Darkness
We’ve been learning this new song from Tommy and Eileen Walker over the past few weeks. Over the past few years, our Sunday Night Church congregation have grown fond of the worship songs provided by Tommy Walker. The words that particularly struck me in this song are “He’s stronger than the darkness.” Although this isn’t… Continue reading He is stronger than the Darkness
Mary did you know?
I love the lyrics to the carol “Mary did you know?” I particularly love this version by Pentatonix. The Carol sets up an imaginary conversation with Mary asking her questions in order to highlight the contrast between the seemingly ordinariness of a little, fully human baby and the wonder of his divinity and his role… Continue reading Mary did you know?
Born to be king
The thing about the Christmas story is that because a lot of the detail lends colour to the narrative, it is in fact matter of fact and to some extent incidental. We have focused so much over the years on mangers, inns and stables that they have become central. Yet the one crucial detail in… Continue reading Born to be king
Nobody puts the baby in a corner
Luke 2:1-7 tells us of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. We meet up with Joseph and Mary again following her visit to see Elizabeth and the focus in chapter 1 turning to the birth of John. Now they must go to Bethlehem and register for tax purposes. Whilst there, Mary gives birth, the baby is… Continue reading Nobody puts the baby in a corner
A shepherd king for the whole world
In yesterday’s article, we saw how one of the Advent promises is that Jesus is the shepherd king from Bethlehem fulfilling Micah 5:1-5. One of the aims in Advent is not just to look forward to Christmas Day remembering Christ’s first coming (advent) but also to look forward to his Second Coming or Advent. How… Continue reading A shepherd king for the whole world
Godless?
In this video, I describe Christmas as part of the evidence that points to the reality of the God who is Love, who created us and who is actively involved, even stepping down into history. I also said that that when it comes to apologetics, some people prefer to separate out proof of God’s existence… Continue reading Godless?
Finding favour with God
In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel addresses Mary as a “favoured woman” in case she (and we) don’t get then point, he again tells her “you have found favour with God”[1] What does it mean for Mary to have found favour? Roman Catholic tradition seems to put the focus on her and her life. Mary… Continue reading Finding favour with God
Responding in faith
Luke 1 sets two angelical visions against each other. In the first vision, Gabriel appears to an old priest named Zechariah to tell him that he is going to have a son. Six months later, the same angel appears to a young girl called Mary who is betrothed to be married.[1] She too will have… Continue reading Responding in faith
The Promise: Christmas 2020
Here’s an update on our plans for Christmas this year. The Government have now confirmed that churches can re-open buildings for public worship regardless of which tier you are in (we opened on Sunday). Although singing remains against guidance in doors, it is now permitted outdoors. This has opened up the possibility of outdoor carols… Continue reading The Promise: Christmas 2020
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