News (Page 20)

Courage to pray

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Rev Claire Jones www.christianaid.org.uk Something to read For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, “I will build you a house”; therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now,…

HOW MANY ADVENTS?

I recall reading an article from a few years ago that suggested there are at least 3 Advents. The first, and probably mostly associated with that word, is this current period in the Church calendar. The second suggestion is the personal Advent when, individually, we invite Jesus into our hearts. Although written to Christians, the…

Lectionary Reflections – Sunday 21st December 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent                 Year A                                                 21st  December 2025 Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 7 v10-16;       Psalm 80 v1-7, 17-19;      Romans 1 v1-7;       Matthew 1 v18-25. Poor Mary! By tradition, Mary is the focus of the fourth Sunday in Advent, though you would be hard put to evidence that from today’s readings! This is how Jesus…

Peace

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. A friend of mine often uses this verse to pray with people who are going through tough times. It was the…

Anchored

Recently, I was blessed to lead the funeral service of a gentleman who had served the nation through the British Legion. His army service took him to many different countries. When I first met the family to plan the service, they showed me some of his precious treasures: his baptism certificate, his Methodist membership card,…

What’s Your Job? 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8, ESVOne day I found myself thinking about a friend and wondering or worrying about some things in their life. I started to talk to God…

No sitting around

Now the nativity scene is set up on the mantlepiece, I can’t help but see it when I settle down on the sofa in the evenings. It struck me last night that the characters are either standing or kneeling. Apart from baby Jesus of course, who is always depicted lying on his back – seemingly…