Lectionary for Epiphany 2

Lectionary Reading Epiphany 2

How weighty are your thoughts, O God! How vast is their number! I try to count them – they are more than the grains of sand.   Psalm 139:17-18

Reading. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] Samuel is a great figure in the Old Testament. He was an answer to prayer by his mother Hanna which perhaps explains the meaning of his name which is “heard of God” or perhaps better in English, “God hears” Dedicated to the Lord from birth we meet Samuel in this chapter as he is taught by Eli about the role of a priest. As Samuel was from the family line of Levi he was able to become a priest. However, at this time the priesthood at Shiloh had fallen into disrepute. In this chapter God’s prophetic voice is heard through the child Samuel. The chapter begins by announcing that “The word of the Lord was rare in those days” perhaps reminding us that God seldom speaks to those who have no regard for him. Samuel is encouraged by Eli to respond to God and is duly rewarded.

Samuels’s message from God marks a new beginning for the tribes of Israel but the exchange between Samuel and Eli is remarkable in itself. Eli had been a faithful priest and judge but now he is old and blind and sadly had failed to guide and direct his sons who were also priests. Samuel, still a child, is reluctant to bring the message of judgement to Eli who is his guide and mentor. Though flawed, Eli had a deep respect and love of God and so recognises that it is a message he has to hear. His response is a message for us all “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him!”  Eli knew that his sons had no respect for the priesthood; and as a devoted priest himself, he would have known that things needed to change. It was a change Eli was unable to accomplish but it was also a change that he understood and accepted. Samuel is growing in his relationship with God, who is equipping him for the great tasks that lie ahead. As the nation changes from Judges to a Monarchy there will be many difficult messages that Samuel has to announce. Samuel the child receives the message from God that Eli’s priestly family will be deposed, reminding us that it is not age nor experience but relationship and obedience that is valued by God. As God honoured Samuel his authority grew and people learned to trust his word. From his birth Samuel was dedicated to God and through God’s authority and direction he oversaw the changes in the nation which introduced the Davidic line of kings.

Prayer. Sovereign Lord, kings will come and go but you are king for all time and before you we bow in reverence and worship. You alone are Lord God and only to you do we owe allegiance. Accept our thanks and praise for revealing yourself to your servants down through the generations. They stand as witness to your power and love. In you all can find help and correction and through you all can know the renewal that you bring.  Help us to faithfully serve you. Enable us by your grace to always keep your will and way before us as we live out our lives. We ask through the Name of Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit; one God for ever more. Amen

Reading. Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18  As we read the verses from this psalm one of the first things that we need to notice is that the psalmist has an understanding of the sovereignty of God. God as Creator understands every part of the creation including the human beings who are part of the creation. As such, nothing is hidden from God; because of that God is never wrong-footed and always remains sovereign. Despite the greatness of God the psalmist has no hesitation in recognising that this God, our God, knows us personally: Indeed from before the cradle and then beyond death God’s personal interest in each of us remains. No wonder this produces the statement, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it”. Psalm 139:6 (NRSV) Because God knows us so well nothing about us is hidden. When we accept the reality that before God all is known a true sense of freedom can come to us.

Using the psalm as part of the Lectionary Readings we can see that the choice of verses is quite selective and very positive. If we look briefly at the rest of the verses we notice that as the psalm draws to a conclusion the psalmist is pleading for judgement on the wicked. It is not exactly clear just who are “the wicked” but if we think about it most of us at one time or another have longed for harsh judgement to be meted out on wrong doers. Careful reflection can remind us that demanding judgement is contrary to biblical teaching, and as such is outside our role as godly human beings and followers of Jesus Christ. This adds even greater weight to just how glorious and loving the God that we worship is, for despite who or what we are, when “I come to the end—I am still with you.”Psalm 139:18 (NRSV)

Prayer. Known and Unknown God, while we are open to you, you are still a mystery to us. We thank you that you have revealed yourself to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. In him we find our sins forgiven and our many faults covered through his obedient sacrifice. We thank you that because of him we can feel at ease in your presence for your word reminds us that there is no other name by which we must be saved. Keep us close to Jesus we pray and guide us that our lives being open to you may always honour you. Help us to live with the mystery of faith and trust Jesus in all things. We ask in His Name. Amen

Collect. Let us pray (for the gift of peace):

Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans. Help us to embrace your will, and give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth may live in our hearts and reflect peace to those who believe in your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Sunday after Epiphany Part 2

First Sunday after Epiphany  Part 2

(The Baptism of Jesus)

Reading. Acts 19:1-7. The question that Paul asks of the believers in Corinth has always been of interest. The inference seems to be that Paul expected baptised people to somehow be different! John the Baptist had come announcing the Messiah, marking a new direction for the People of Israel. John’s baptism was one of repentance, of washing away of sin. It was not simply renouncing evil ways but of changing what the people thought about God. They had to change their minds and understand that God was in action with the coming of Jesus as Messiah. That is why it was Jews themselves who were being initiated (re-initiated?) into the family of God as People of the Messiah. This baptism was preparing them for the coming salvation that Messiah would achieve and gaining entrance into the Kingdom of God. The passage for today is set after the death and resurrection of Jesus. After Pentecost and the coming of the Spirit, church leaders obeyed the command of Jesus and baptised believers not only by water for repentance but also to receive the Holy Spirit. The church’s teaching was that Jesus as Messiah was now reigning at God’s right hand (Heb 1:3), having initiated the Kingdom of God; the baptised then had died to the old life and commenced their new life as participants in the Kingdom of God. Now as this group of people in Corinth are baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus they speak in tongues and announce prophecies. A change is observed as the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

This story in Acts recalls an incident in the life of the early church. As we ponder this reading today the question is, “Are we changed because of our baptism, and if we are, how are we changed?” We know that baptism is fundamentally an act of God; it is not about what we do but what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Because of this our lives are changed, so perhaps the question is not, are we changed, but how do we live out the new life that God has given to us?

Prayer. God, the Father of all, as your sons and daughters who have been baptised, and rejoicing in the gift of the Holy Spirit: We thank you that the Spirit awakens us to new truth, strengthens us in our daily pilgrimage, and inspires us to venture out into life. We thank you for your church and for our fellowship with Christ, who shows us the way of discipleship. Praise be to God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.  (Adapted from Uniting in Worship 1988)

Reading. Mark 1:4-11 Mark like all the other gospel writers chooses to introduce Jesus through the ministry of John the Baptist. Quoting from Isaiah and other ancient prophets in his opening verses the people reading and hearing John would have recognised that John was announcing the coming of Messiah and the Day of the Lord. In verse 10 he draws again on an idea from Isaiah when he describes the heavens being torn apart. He uses the Greek verb “schizo” which suggests a violent tearing of the heavens to allow the voice to be heard. In Isaiah we read, “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence”— Isaiah 64:1 (NRSV)  Isaiah sees the nation struggling and moving away from God, so it is a plea for God to come down to earth and take action. As Mark uses this similar phrase his message to the reader is that in the coming of Jesus, God is doing something, bringing in the Day of the Lord. Mark’s full attention is on Jesus, who he is, and above all that he has God’s full approval. “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” This heavenly statement reinforces Mark’s assertion that Jesus is the promised Messiah. The coming of the Spirit to rest on Jesus is further confirmation of Jesus’ Messianic identity. The coming of the Messiah indicates the beginning of the Kingdom of God. Here is the opportunity to both recognise the kingdom is coming and through Messiah to be involved in this kingdom. This might all seem quite theoretical but Mark’s recording that Jesus has been acknowledged as the one with whom God is “well pleased” means that through Jesus, God’s pleasure rests not only on Him but also on us. No wonder Paul can say, “For in him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NRSV) Mark is bringing a message of hope to a troubled nation and that same message of hope is being passed on to us. No matter what we are facing, Jesus is the one on whom we can rely. He is the one who will lead us into the future that God has prepared for all his people. As we trust and follow Jesus he is the one who will give us a life of fulfilment and peace.

Prayer. Almighty, and Everlasting God, we thank and praise you for sending your Son to be the one who would lead us home to you. We thank you that in Him we can know the fullness of your goodness and grace to us. Grant that more and more we may learn to trust and obey you. We thank you for never leaving us but always walking with us. Lead us on into the future that you have prepared. May we face each day with the confidence of knowing your love never fails. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Jesus, beloved Son of God, the Spirit came upon you at your baptism and the heavens were split asunder; may the same Spirit so direct, guide and rule our lives, that we will gratefully live as sons and daughters of God now and for ever. Amen.

First Sunday after Epiphany

Lectionary Readings for the First Sunday after Epiphany

    (The Baptism of Jesus)

As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending on him, like a dove. A voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Mark 1:10-11

Reading. Genesis 1:1-5. Many years ago a book on preaching reminded the reader, “Never use a bucket full of words, when a teaspoon full of words will do!” In the opening verses of Genesis the writer has used a teaspoon full of words to introduce a vast array of topics. We note that before creation began God is already present. The Alpha and the Omega, God is there before the beginning and still there after the conclusion of all things. Who is this God and how do we describe this God; we do not know. God simply is and the writer of Genesis accepts this fact and makes no attempt to describe God. It is the action of God that holds the attention of the writer for by God’s action heaven and earth come into being. A darkened and formless void describes a chaotic scene but in separating the darkness through the introduction of light God brings order. It is order that allows events and sequences to happen; time can commence and laws that begin to put the building blocks in place; all these become present by the word of God. The coming of light marks the first day and so creation has begun. The writer describes the first day by saying, “there was evening and there was morning, the first day”. We phrase it the other way round, “Morning and evening”; for us the day begins and the evening ends. In creation the day comes about by the intervention of God into the evening. This light that marks the day is “God’s light”, it is not sunlight for in the creation account the sun has still to be called into being. It is the coming of light that allows true life to flourish in the day.

Thinking of this reading in conjunction with the Baptism of Jesus it is easy to remember that the coming of Jesus is described as the light coming to those who sat in darkness. John see the very essence of life beginning with the coming of Jesus; “in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 (NRSV) Jesus marks a new beginning, a new day has dawned and now life can begin.

Prayer. Creator God, we thank you for the wonders of creation with which we are surrounded. We thank you that day follows night and we awake to a new day, refreshed and renewed. The light reveals again your goodness and grace, you are a faithful God. We thank you that the light most clearly shines in Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. He has come among us to lighten the darkness and dispel the gloom so that we can clearly see your great salvation. With thankful hearts we offer to you our reverence and praise. Grant that we may walk with you in obedience and faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Psalm 29. The psalm opens with a call for all things to praise the Lord. The psalmist has an awesome view of God who is above everything that exists. With everything under God’s control there is no need to worry, things seen and things unseen are subject to the Lord God. This means that the creation holds no surprises for God and therefore God’s people can trust God in all circumstances. It is with this thought that the psalmist ends the psalm. The Lord is king forever, a king who strengthens his people and blesses the people with peace; the peace that comes from trusting God at all times. This whole picture of trusting in an all powerful God is reinforced as the psalmist recognises that it is God’s word, God’s voice that holds all things to account. In all of creation, what God commands is what comes to pass. Unlike Elijah’s, “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) for the psalmist there is authority and decisiveness in the voice of God. As we reflect on this psalm we see a God who is all powerful, but a wider view of scripture reminds us that the controlling voice of God is right for all occasions, yet the authority and decisiveness never changes. There are times in life when what is needed is a “still, small voice”. At other times we need a voice that does take control and shake the trees! We can trust God to always know which voice is needed. However the psalmist strongly reminds us that on every, and all occasions, we are being confronted by a God who needs to be both listened to and obeyed.      

Prayer. Almighty and Everlasting God, we come before your majesty and might and offer our thanks and praise. In Jesus Christ you have revealed yourself to us and we are secure as we trust in your wisdom, power and strength. Give to us gracious Lord, open ears that are responsive to your word, that we might walk always in your way and at all times honour your name. Help us to love our neighbours, and as we look for forgiveness, may we too be forgiving. Help us to look beyond our own needs and trusting in your goodness alone make us sensitive to the needs of others. Before you Lord, all things bow and lift their voices in praise; grant that we also may lift our voices in humble praise and adoration; knowing that you are God alone. Amen

Collect. Almighty and eternal God, who openly acknowledged Jesus as your own dear Son at his baptism in the Jordan: grant that we who have been baptised in his name may be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, and live always as your faithful children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Post Christmas Part 2

Lectionary for Christmas 1      Part 2

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

Reading. Ephesians 1:3-14. As we begin to look forward to a New Year the first verse of the reading today should fill us with the strength to approach the year with both confidence and hope. As Christians we are blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing. Through this blessing we are destined to fulfil the purpose for which God has equipped us. This was and is God’s plan for us. To be “holy’ before him, does not mean that we are now ‘goody good”, common sense should tell us that! No it means that we are set apart in order to be God’s women and men in this world. We are called to be members of God’s family. Now, as we begin this year of our Lord 2021, let us begin by remembering that we are chosen to be a part of God’s planned community. We are not chosen because we are in any way special, we are chosen because God planned to choose us. God is sovereign and therefore can choose whom he wills, and he wills to choose us. So rejoice and be glad. God has set us apart to be the evidence of the family of God here and now. We are to be the salt and the light in our living and in our relationships through all that Jesus has achieved: We are only blameless “in Him”. Through the ministry of Jesus Christ we have become God’s Community. This community is to have a personal relationship with God: adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will. This is as personal as it is possible to get, yet it is not as individuals. This is community; we are all in this together. Before the coming of the Spirit we were essentially un-spiritual, (unfilled). However with the coming of the Spirit we not only can see that God has set up a community but we have become participants in that community. We essentially have come under the reign and rule of God. If you want to make a resolution with which to begin a New Year perhaps it could be to accept this new understanding of whose we are: Now is the time to live out that new identity for through Jesus, we now belong to him. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 (NRSV).

Prayer. All praise and thanks to you Lord God Almighty, for the blessings of each day, We thank you for those days which are past, days when you have walked with us through triumphs and trials, we also thank you for the days which lie ahead and look forward to them with confidence for you know that you go before us and have already prepared the way. These are strange times Lord and we are learning new things and new ways; yet one thing is constant; we are your children through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord and you watch over us as a shepherd over the sheep. So we pray, take our hand and lead us that our way may be your way and our trust be fully in you, now and always. Amen

Reading. John 1:(1-9). 10-18. This is John’s brief account of the incarnation, the birth of Jesus; the Word made flesh. We have read this story so many times that, without meaning any disrespect, it has almost become commonplace. Wesley tried to grab the nettle in his famous hymn with the words, “Our God contracted to a span; Incomprehensively, made man”. What John is saying is that the Word became flesh without any outside influence. Here is an amazing event that is difficult to understand because we have no other example with which to compare it. John goes on to describe Jesus as coming to “tabernacle’ with us. Some translators understand this best as saying “pitched his tent with us” At the very least John is saying that Jesus did not have a privileged position when he came; it was just the same as experienced by the lowliest of us. Jesus truly shared our life, just as it is with all its joys and sorrows. He saw the injustice and the disappointment because he lived with it and in it. The transition from Word to man is now complete. However, because Jesus came as God’s gift he didn’t just experience it; Jesus did something about it. As John looks back over the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus he can go on to say, “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”  John 1:16 (NRSV).  Jesus coming among us as God’s gift is significant; the ministry of his life is significant and his death and resurrection are also significant. From this composite event grace in all its fullness has washed over us and our lives have been changed. Here was one who showed us who God is and what God is like. Here is one who has opened for us a door into a new way of life and here is one who has offered to us a new future, filled with expectation and hope. The coming of Jesus marks the start of something new and wonderful. Here according to John’s message is the opportunity to begin again as one of God’s children through belief in Jesus the Son of God. What a wonderful message with which to begin a New Year.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, as we celebrate again your coming among us, we remember the stories of your love for all people and for the way that you accepted those who no one wanted or loved. So today at the close of another year and the beginning of a new year, we offer our prayers for those who are in need around our world: For those struggling with isolation; for those who mourn the loss of loved ones and were not able to say goodbye; For those who live in fear because the news is so unrelenting, highlighting every new disaster. Despite all that we experience it is to you alone that we turn for in you is the source of life. In you we find fullness for daily living and through you we stand firm, knowing that your presence is all we need as you lead us on. Fill our hearts with hope and our lives with purpose as we seek to honour your name. This we ask in your precious name. Amen

Collect. Eternal Word, we thank you that you became not words but human flesh, living among us. Make us children of God, and fill us with your grace and truth now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary Post Christmas

 Lectionary for Christmas 1.

To all who received him, who believed in his name, Christ gave power to become children of God. John 1:12

Reading. Jeremiah 31:7-14 This reading from Jeremiah begins with a plea, “O Lord, save your people..”. It is not a cry of desperation but expressed with a sense of praise recognising the faithfulness of the Lord. As we stand at the beginning of another year we are wondering if this year will be different from the last: we face many ongoing situations; but we have some glimmers of light which perhaps lead us to hope that 2021 will indeed be a better year. Nonetheless, it is only natural that we should look to God for a sure way forward and guidance out of our present predicament. Jeremiah’s people were also looking for a way forward. The prophet’s announcement would have given them hope for it reminded the nation that the Lord had promised to deliver them, and gather them back into the Promised Land; back to a place of security and safety. Perhaps that is our present plea, we want to be safe and secure again. Jeremiah though, did not just bring a word of rescue, he also reminded the people that they also needed to find again that relationship with the Lord. “Walking by the river”, and “in a straight way”, are a reminder of an obedient walk with God. They not only need to be rescued, they need to re-establish that relationship of child to Parent. It is this relationship which is key to the fulfilment of being gathered in safely.

Jeremiah reminds God’s People that the promise to gather them in to a place of safety still holds true. To bring them home to that place where you can be yourself; the place where your whole being can be relaxed and fully at peace. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” Jeremiah 31:10-11. With the promise comes the reminder that being away from the Lord has caused a significant separation. The result of such a separation is loneliness, isolation and a lack of self worth. This sense of isolation is too strong to overcome by will and determination, it needs outside help. Psalm 121 reminds us that “My help comes from the Lord”:  Here is the true source of help to start the people on the journey back to healing and wholeness. The nation had to face the reality that what they really needed was an obedient relationship with the Lord God.

From thousands of years ago the voice of Jeremiah continues to remind us today that the Lord is all we need: Walking with the Lord, keeps our eyes on the true and fulfilling things of life: It keeps us grounded in a world of changing values; and it helps to build strong relationships with the Lord and with those around us. If we want 2021 to be a better year for us then a good place to start would be to listen carefully to the words of Jeremiah.

Prayer. Almighty God we thank you that you are a God who calls us to be together and helps to unite us in love even while we are separated by illness or distance. We thank you that in Jesus we are one body and through him we hear again good tidings of great joy. Our Lord came to bring light to those who sat in darkness and hope to those who were distressed. Though we may be separated from family and friends by distance, yet through his love love we can know that we are still united. Grant that your light may shine on our lives and on our situations, may they be havens of peace, where we can grow in our trust of you. Give to us the courage to face each new day, knowing that you are always with us; help us to draw strength for your promise that every morning your love dawns afresh. Keep us mindful of all those that we love until that day when we will all be able to again unite without restraint. This we ask, through Jesus, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in perfect harmony. Amen

Reading. Psalm 147:12-20. The psalmist reminds the people that they are in an excellent position; not because of the good things around them but because they have a God who is both all powerful and at the same time all loving. As the psalmist says, “God has not dealt with any other nation as he has dealt with us!” God is the powerful Saviour and through God they have become the People of God.  They were the People of God and as such they were given The Law. They are not the People of God because they keep the Law; they are the People of God because of God’s choice.

The psalm was a reminder that it was God who gave the people security and peace: It was God who provided them with a family and all that they would need to care for them. Still, the most telling aspect from the psalmist’s perspective is that God had revealed himself through the law. We can often have a negative view of the law but for the people of Israel it was the law which revealed who God was and how God wanted them to live as God’s People. Though the nation faced many hard times, it was the law which re-united them and upheld them. It was the law which drew them back to a more resolute faith in God and from the law they regained their confidence. As we read this psalm today we too can draw confidence from knowing that the God in whom we trust is an all powerful protector, we do not have the law but we have a Saviour in whom and through whom the law has been fulfilled. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17 (NRSV)   We have been given Jesus who has given us all that we need to withstand adversity and step confidently into a new and unknown year.

Prayer. Most Gracious God we bow in prayer, readily confessing that we have taken for granted your many blessings, we have chafed under the constraints of your discipline and we have been unmindful of your commandments. We have followed paths of our own devising and then looked to you for recue when we have fallen. As we think of your great goodness towards us we know that you have not treated us as we deserved but have been lovingly patient with us and with acts of grace again and again have called us back to yourself. Forgive us and cleanse us from all that is contrary to your will and way and as we look to a New Year beginning, help us more and more to rely on you alone for guidance. In this new beginning grant that we may grow in love and trust of you; may we recognise all that Jesus Christ has achieved for us and be constant in praise and prayer. This we ask in His Name. Amen

Collect. Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of faith shine in all that we do; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Christmas Day Part 2

Lectionary for Christmas Day  Part 2

Reading. Titus 2:11-14. In the letter to Titus we note that Titus was a Gentile and probably a person converted by the teaching of Paul who if you read the introductory part of this letter had a great affection for Brother Titus. A strong advocate, he was Paul’s representative in Corinth. (2Corth 7:15) Titus being a gentile helps us make more sense of the following comments.

In the first verse of this reading you will notice the word “all”, “bringing salvation to all”   Titus 2:11 (NRSV). As far back as John Calvin biblical scholars have discussed what this might mean. Calvin and a great number of biblical scholars take “all” to mean, “any, everyone, everything”: Put simply, no matter where you stand, no matter who you are, God’s grace in Jesus Christ appeared for your salvation. In the final verse of our reading Paul uses the personal word “us’. Through salvation Jesus has gathered in a people who are his own. There is a wonderful sense of inclusion in this verse. Paul, a Christian Jew and Titus, a Christian Gentile represent the whole spectrum of people who would be reading or hearing the teaching in the New Testament. Jesus Christ has appeared to bring salvation to all. This salvation has still to be fully revealed and so we wait with anticipation for whatever more God will reveal. While we wait we are being trained by Christ’s salvation to live as Christians in today’s world. Paul is reminding us that receiving salvation does not leave us unchanged or unmoved. Think of the words that he uses in the version of the bible you are using. The Living Bible uses, wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God. While salvation is given as a gift by Jesus and is available to all, all we who receive his salvation need to allow it to influence our lives, thus bringing a Christian presence wherever we are.  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)

Prayer. Holy God, the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ brings for us the possibility of forgiveness and change. A chance to leave the past behind and begin again in a new way. We thank and praise you for the new life that Jesus brings. May we live our lives in close harmony with you looking always for your guidance and direction. Keep us we pray, on the pathway you have provided for us: in all we do may you be honoured. As you give us strength to live, may we use that strength to share your love and kindness with all we meet. And may your name be glorified. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus has many points to ponder. Luke places the birth at a particular historical time, namely when Augustus was Caesar of the Roman Empire and there was a Roman governor in Syria. Luke is anchoring the birth in much the same way that Matthew records an historical time by referring to King Herod. Luke is telling us that this is a datable event and marks a time when Jesus entered into human history, our history. We readily accept this and the portrayal of no place to find lodging is totally commonplace in today’s world. Then we have bright stars, angel choirs, and shepherds, all helping to give us an understanding that these events happened in our world, we could easily have been there.

Luke however has also introduced a future aspect to this birth when he reminds us of that very familiar Christmas phrase, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 (NKJV) This was the message from the heavenly choir. If we date Luke’s gospel around AD 60 then this was a turbulent time for Luke’s region and the Roman Empire as a whole. Over a period of about 30 years a number of Caesars were assassinated and the Empire was in trouble in many areas not least in Palestine. Peace and goodwill were in short supply and into that mix Luke introduces the coming of Messiah, the one who was destined to liberate Israel.  Thus Luke is not expecting peace and goodwill in the immediate but is recognising that the affects of this birth will be sometime in the future. He writes this with the knowledge that Jesus would be crucified but then return to lead his followers. It was a movement that would change the world and Luke could already sense that this faith movement had begun. The cry of the early church that “Jesus is Lord!” was more than a declaration of faith; it was also a stand against the empires pronouncement that “Caesar is Lord!” Luke sees this birth as the beginning of Jesus Christ’s mission to win back not only the lost sheep of Israel but the whole world. No wonder Luke describes a cosmic birth story which encompasses both heaven and earth. This birth is Good News for his time as people looked for peace and stability and a time to honour God. Luke’s message says much the same to us: As we celebrate this Christmas may we too read into Luke’s description of our Lord’s coming much more than a baby in a manger; may we recognise an event that continues to affect the world in which we live and brings us both hope and blessing. .

Prayer. O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel. Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to be the Redeemer of all people, with wonder and love we thank and praise you for your gracious gift. In a turbulent world, grant that as we hear again the Christmas message our hearts may be stirred once more to love and worship Jesus our Saviour. May the sacrifice of his coming touch hearts and lives across our world and bring a message of hope and reconciliation. May those who live in plenty share life with those who have no place to call home. May those in need find comfort and shelter: and let “Good will to all”, be not only on our lips but demonstrated by our actions. To you who has given us so much, we offer our humble thanks and praise. To you be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen

Collect. O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Christmas Day

Lectionary for Christmas Day

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has dawned.      Isaiah 9:2

Reading.  Isaiah 9:2-7 When Christians read this passage attention quickly turns to an announcement about Jesus. However as we read this word from Isaiah we need to remember that Isaiah was simply announcing what the Lord God had directed him to announce and Jesus was an unknown figure still in the future. What was in the mind of Isaiah was the thought of the promised Messiah, one who would bring confident hope of rescue. The rampant Assyrians were threatening to conquer Jerusalem and crush Judah, so it was a time of insecurity and fear. Isaiah’s message brings a clear voice of hope, for it reminded people that God had not forgotten them, but was actively working to bring about their rescue. Thus in its time Isaiah’s prophecy was about the long term future of the nation and its people. Such was their precarious position that only the intervention of God could bring about the escape from the threats that the Assyrians posed. Isaiah draws the people’s attention back to the time when Joshua prepared to fight the Midianites and God pared down the fighting men to a mere handful and won a resounding victory. (Judges 7:ff). This recollection reminded the people that it was God who gave the fighters the victory. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus it is good to keep in mind the hope that Isaiah’s prophecy brings. With the coming of a Saviour comes also the assurance that the Lord God holds for each of us, a long term future filled with justice and peace. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV)

Prayer. Almighty God, the promise of a coming Messiah filled your people with hope; so today, as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ our hope is refreshed. The joy which surrounded his coming is still felt today in many places of our world. For he comes with good news of justice and mercy; a message that is like a light shining in the darkness. We pray that the good news of Jesus will bring a deep sense of peace into hearts and minds so that life can be lives with confidence. As his peace fills our lives may we be stirred to love in ways that would honour his coming among us. With the confidence that Jesus brings we look forward to a world which will declare that he alone is King of kings and Lord of lords. To the honour and glory of your name. Amen

Reading. Psalm 96. The psalmist reminds us that good news is for sharing, especially the good news that God is coming to reshape every part of life. As psalm 40 reminds us, the song we sing is the life we live as much as the words we say: God is the great Creator and everything is sustained by him and for him, so we rejoice that God comes with salvation. It is this sustaining that allows us to live our lives. However, rescue is needed for we often put our trust in false things; things which cannot deliver us or give us life, and so the psalmist is reminding his readers that the Lord God is the only one who can be trusted to bring the outcome that is best for us. In life we are to live in ways that reflect the goodness of God’s gift of life to us: this is how we truly give God his worth. The quote from verse 9 of the psalm, O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: (Psalm 96:9 KJV) is an inscription that was emblazoned on the front of many older churches and chapels. Growing up I have concentrated on these words through many long and rather abstract sermons!. Only in later life comes the realisation that this verse reminds us that God is other than we are, and it is because of that, we can place our trust in the God who is Creator and not a creature. This is one of the thoughts that the psalmist is bringing to our attention: Because the Lord God is the Creator, earth and heaven will not be shaken and life will go on. With God comes also the future hope that when God comes, judgment will bring justice equally to every aspect of the creation. So, trusting in God we can be at peace. Say among the nations, “The LORD is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.” Psalm 96:10 (NRSV)

Prayer. Almighty God, year upon year we hear the good news that the Word made flesh has come among us. As we hear this good news may we rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus lives and reigns with you and is preparing to come once again, bringing with him the renewal of all the earth. Grant to us such faith as will allow us in both good and not so good times to lift our voices in heartfelt thanksgiving for Jesus’ ongoing work. Jesus came in great humility and served you, so may we serve, recognising the needs of those around us and out of his goodness and grace sharing what we have. Grant that our rejoicing not be in word only but in action inspired by your divine nature. Under your Lordship may we all live in peace and harmony, so giving glory to you: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Collect. Let us pray (for the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace): Almighty God and Father of light, a Child is born for us and a Son is given to us. Your eternal Word leaped down from heaven in the silent watches of the night, and now your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God. Open our hearts to receive his life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn, that our lives may be filled with his glory and his peace, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

A Christmas Devotion

While thinking through some ideas for a devotion for fellowship, the idea of the census came to mind.

Luke 2v 1 In those days a decree went out, from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3  All went to their own towns to be registered.

This is Luke retelling the story of course and brings immediately to mind all those traditional scenes: Mary on a donkey; angelic choirs; shepherds. Theologically it’s hard to understand how reindeer got into the Christmas story.  

 If you ever wanted the Christmas story to be pushed to the outer edge of adult belief you would do exactly what we have done to the Christmas story. Angels are children dressed like fairies, Shepherds become people with tea towels on. None of those caricatures comes even close to the reality that Luke is picturing.

Now, food has become a central feature: Gift giving has become so obsessive that people are pushed to the brink.

The Shock, fear, awe, wonder or surprise that Luke is describing are no longer words we quickly associate with Christmas.  Rather it is children, sentimentality, pressure and expense that are more likely: No sense in being against those Christmas traditions but many people never get past them to see the true story they represent. How different was the real Christmas story.

Luke begins with, “Registered’, what we today would call a census. In our society census are taken mostly for forward planning; Schools, homes for the aged, hospitals.  We might moan about it but our census papers are delivered, and then picked up. In the ancient world the census had a different motive, namely numbering & taxation. You had to gather to your place of origin. The only way to get there was to walk: There was no opportunity to catch a bus or jump on a plane: Even the donkey is problematical and has more to do with the romanticism of the Victorian story tellers.  It would probably have taken Mary and Joseph three or four days hard travel to arrive at their necessary destination. So a census was a huge disruption and forcefully reminded you that you were being held in subjection.

The Roman census was all about power, pride, and rule.  It emphasised that Caesar was in control. Individual or family needs did not count at all. Everything was geared to show the iron fist of Rome. If you want to know what God thinks of this type of census read 2 Sam 24:10 

But back to Luke, unlike Matthew, after the traditional Christmas symbols, Luke has Jesus being presented in the temple.

25  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27  Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29  “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30  for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31  which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32  a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:25-32 (NRSV)

34  Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35  so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34-35 (NRSV)

Then Luke introduces Anna the prophetess:

38  At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (NRSV)

So in just a few verses Luke lays out a huge difference between the arrogance of an earthly kingdom, in this case subjugation by Rome, compared to God’s promised redemption and consolation in God’s Kingdom.

In recording the birth of Jesus, Luke begins by offering to a downtrodden people, the great promise of hope that was embedded in the psyche of Israel. Jesus is destined to shake the foundations of that Roman world, and though crucified that is what he did.

For today let’s stick with the message of hope. Hope for now and hope on into the future.  A future vested not in a baby in a manger but in a risen Christ. Early in his record of Jesus, Luke has deliberately placed Jesus in the real world, facing real world issues. So he presents a Jesus who in every way can meet the needs of today and give to us a confidence that in him, all will be well no matter what we face. All will be well because God is taking back control of the whole of creation.

Advent 4 Part 2

Lectionary Reading   Advent 4 Part 2

An Advent Prayer; Eternal God: through long generations you prepared a way in our world for the coming of your Son, and by your Spirit you are still bringing the light of the gospel to lives in need of hope. Renew us, so that we may welcome Jesus Christ to rule our thoughts and claim our love, as Lord of lords and King of kings, to whom be glory always. Amen. (Presbyterian  Prayer Book. )

Reading. Romans 16:25-27 Paul is confident that the gospel he preaches contains the true witness to who is Jesus Christ. It is this witness which gives “his gospel” the power of God of which Paul is not ashamed! Jesus presented himself in word and deed as Messiah. As such he was the embodiment of God’s promises of kingship and salvation for all. Paul brings the good News (gospel) bearing witness to Jesus and so brings the message of God’s salvation. As that good news is received and one believes, the action of salvation takes place in each believer’s life and they are established as being “in Christ”. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)  “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”.  It is the action of God which strengthens each believer giving them the assurance of God’s love. The mystery of which Paul writes is that God had always planned to eternally unite humanity with himself. In Jesus Christ, this planned for mystery is now revealed. With that revelation comes the confident hope of God’s faithfulness and love: A revelation which establishes us not only in this life but also in the life to come.

Prayer. Almighty God, your powerful word transcends all generations and still remains effective today, calling us to faithful living and honourable service. By your Holy Spirit, may we hear your word clearly and with obedient hearts follow with praise and thanksgiving. Free us from all that would hinder our witness in your name; grant that as we rejoice in the story of our Lord’s coming among us, that we may still be ready to see him at work in our world. We pray that the worship of your church around the world would bring afresh the message of our glorious Saviour and many hear the good news that Jesus Christ came to gather in that which was lost. To you Lord be all honour and praise, now and for ever. Amen

Reading Luke 1:26-38. Luke’s story of the virgin birth is an indispensible part of the Christmas story and the Christian story. Luke reminds us that the choice of Jesus’ birth is God’s alone. The angel is sent to Mary and her part is simply to accept what the angel announces to her. Mary, like every human being needed Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Also, Luke makes it clear that Joseph plays no part in this birth save that Jesus will be born into the house of David to whom Joseph belongs. Mary hears the word from God and believes and through believing the word Jesus is conceived. In Luke’s story Jesus comes as a completely new beginning, and one who is holy from birth.  As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15, Christ is the new Adam, and his birth marks the start of the New Creation. This Jesus comes as king and his kingdom will know no end. The word that the angel announces to Mary brings into being the incarnation, God is linked directly to all humanity: He is Emanuel, God with us. This transaction follows the same pattern of every believer. We hear God’s word and believe and we are linked with and in God. Believers like Mary are chosen, not because they are special but because of God’s choosing. As Jesus reminds us; “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, …” John 15:16 (NRSV)   In the Christmas story, all is of God and from God. Yet as we remember the Christmas story we do have to marvel at both the faith and the courage of Mary.  How audacious to simply accept what God had chosen to do through her. While the bible says very little about Mary either before or after the birth of Jesus; the one thing that we can say is that she was a woman of great faith. “Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 (NRSV)

Prayer. Holy Lord, as we remember the faith and the courage of Mary, we also remember the great faith of all the witnesses who down through the ages have responded to your call and announced again and again that Jesus Christ is Lord. So now, we too remember his Lordship and praise you that Jesus came and lived among us. With him came the prospect of a new beginning and a harmony with you. We thank you and we praise you for this time of remembrance and rejoice in the Good News that as your word declares; His kingdom will never end. May we celebrate his coming, looking forward to that time when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. To you Lord God be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen

Collect. O God, Mary’s ‘yes’ inspires our faith, and stirs us to obedience; may your Son so live and grow within us and among us, that we may gladly give our lives for you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary Reading Advent 4

Lectionary Reading   Advent 4

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, all my days; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.        Psalm 89:1

Reading. 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16. King David had set up his palace in Jerusalem and David’s inclination was that the Ark of the Covenant needed to be housed in a more appropriate place. The idea to build a temple to house the Ark seemed like a good idea but Nathan’s word back from the Lord was not to go ahead. The message that Nathan received was that the Lord had provided a house for David and gave a reaffirmation of the Lord’s ongoing blessing of David as King. God’s blessing was still with David but building a temple was not David’s task.

In most modern societies we are used to seeing places of worship and while we understand what their function is, they are of no special interest other than to those who use that building for worship. For Israel the Temple was more than simply a place of worship it was a bridge which linked heaven and earth together: Here was the place where people met with the imminent presence of God. During the wilderness wandering the tabernacle was the sign of God’s presence among the people. In the tabernacle Moses met with God face to face and so the tabernacle was the assurance of the Lord’s protective presence. Now that the nation lived a more settled existence the Ark was now the sign of God’s presence. However in an environment where the king lived in a palace, the Temple was now to become the sign of God’s presence among the people. David wanted to take control of building a temple for the Lord but that was not God’s plan. 1 Chronicles chapter 22 for example records that David as a warrior was not to be the one to build the temple which would honour the Lord.. The building of the temple was to be Solomon’s task, as directed by God. The temple was more than the sign of Lord’s presence it reminded the nation that Israel was called to be under the Lord’s control. The delay only emphasised that while David was king, it was the Lord who made the overall decisions for the welfare of the nation.

Prayer. Lord, we know that no building can contain you, for the whole of creation is yours, and to you alone all things owe their existence. Yet at all times and in all places we can turn to you and offer our prayers of thanks and praise. So Lord, hear us as we offer once again our praise to the glory of your name. We live in a time of change and many find their lives disrupted, many are suffering from loneliness and isolation; many are separated from loved ones, from family and friends. Many are grieving through the loss of loved ones. At this time when we rejoice at the coming of our Saviour, may we also rejoice, as you bring the comfort that our worldwide society needs at this time. May the promise of peace on earth and goodwill to all settle in hearts and lives to bring comfort and hope through the name of Jesus, the Saviour; who was and is and is to come! To you be all glory and praise; now and forever. Amen

Reading. Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26. This portion of Psalm 89 reminded the readers of the faithful promises made to King David. His was the kingdom which saw the nation of Israel rise in both unity and power. David had united the twelve tribes and had established a safe and secure environment for the people. Hundreds of years later the psalmist looks back to that time, recognising that all that David achieved was the direct consequence of God’s blessing and ongoing faithfulness. God honoured the promises and David was successful. After David’s reign the nation quickly fell into disunity and the tribes once more divided into two kingdoms. With waning power and influence, disaster followed and other nations grew in power and dispersed the tribes by sending them into exile. In such an unsettled time the psalmist looks back not only to the glory days of King David but more importantly to the faithfulness of God. Yes, King David was great but God is greater, and it is God who will see the nation through the times of deep distress, bringing them to a secure and peaceful existence once more.

With our Advent theme in mind, the psalm reminds us all that God’s promises are everlasting and no matter what the circumstances of life bring, God has a way through. The kingdom promises of David now are to be fulfilled under the kingship of Jesus Christ who’s “throne will last as long as the heavens endure”. With this in mind, all of God’s people can turn to God with faith and trust, knowing that all things are safe when placed into God’s hands.

Prayer. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:9 (NRSV)

Faithful God, in all things we look to you with confidence, knowing that your kingdom cannot fail. In every circumstance you will deliver us, protecting and guiding us with you mighty hand. Trusting in your faithful love, keep us we pray, that we may walk in full obedience to your call, may your word be a light to our path and a lamp for our feet. Grant that we may draw our strength from you, and with thankful hearts; know the security of your protective care. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen  

Collect. Let us pray (as Advent draws to a close that Christ will truly come into our hearts): Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to all humanity by an angel the coming of your Son to dwell amongst us, so lead us through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.