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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
As I write this, we have just had an Advent Prayer Day for the churches in the Northern Mission Area of the Ipswich Circuit. There were some beautifully thought through and obviously helpful prayer stations devised and set up by various friends. The atmosphere was special and spiritual. I have just searched the internet for images of ‘prayer aids;’ the search returned…
The last edition of Connexion magazine can be read here.
Read the Advent 2025 Letter from Rev Helen Hollands here
Christmas is not an easy time for people with disabilities or age related health problems. The Alzheimers Society warn people annually that Christmas festivities may adversely affect those living with dementia. Family parties, where people gather who have not met for some time, can create confusion and even distress for the person who has cognitive…