Message for Advent


On his first mission, Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Frank Bolden Jr. commented that it "fundamentally changed his view of the world". From 400 miles above the earth, all looked peaceful and beautiful. Yet Bolden later recalled that, as he passed over the Middle East, he was "shaken into reality" when he considered the conflict that made that area such a dangerous place. During an interview with film producer Jared Leto, Bolden spoke of that moment when he saw the earth with a sense of how it ought to be – and then sensed a challenge to do all he could to make it better.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world was not the way God intended. Into this moral and spiritual darkness, Jesus came bringing "life and light to all" (John 1:4). Even though the world didn't recognise Him, "to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to be children of God" (v 12).

When life is not the way it ought to be, we are deeply saddened : when families break up, children go hungry and the world wages war. But God promises that, through faith in Christ, anyone can begin to move in a new direction. The Christmas season reminds us that Jesus, the Saviour, gives the gift of light to everyone who will receive and follow Him.

 

Father in Heaven, may we share the gift of life and light of Jesus with all we love and know.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Prayer for Lent

Lord, help us protect your trees, and all creation, not just because they are part of your world, but because they hold together your land, which protects our neighbours from floods and landslides. Because they are a sign that life is near, and water, shelter, and sustenance is possible. Lord, would we see a tree and be reminded of your goodness, faithfulness and provision, and would we remember our responsibility to care for creation. Amen
Read more

The meaning of justice

'Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.' (Isaiah 1:17) What would a Christian society truly look like? Would it be one in which everyone goes to church? One in which we all read the Bible every day? One in which worship music tops the charts? If we follow God's word, a Christian society would be one that is free from inequality. One in which people looked after each other with kindness and compassion. Christianity is more than church numbers – it's about justice. To build God's kingdom is to lift up those who have been cast down. Without doing that, we are missing the whole point. Old and New Testaments both are emphatic with this (Deuteronomy 27:19; Amos 5:21-24; Matthew 7:21; James 1:27). Earlier in today's passage, God rejects his people's worship. God hates it. Why? Because there is injustice in the land. Because the cries of the marginalised are going unheeded. Because his
Read more

Words and Deeds

Not merely in the words you say Not only in your deeds confessed But in the most unconscious way Is Christ expressed Is it a calm and peaceful Smile? A-Holy light upon your brow. Oh no! I felt his presence while you laughed just now For me twas not the truth you taught To you so clear, to me so dim But when you came to me, you brought a sense of him.    And from your eyes he beckons me And from your heart his love is shed Till I lose sight of you and see The Christ instead.                                               Source Unknown
Read more