Its a Miracle!

The festive season is upon us!
Shoppers are promised some great bargains in the New Year sales. The Footsie 100 index has risen to over 6000 for the first time since September 08. And for many, it will be a white Christmas. But none of this touches what is in my mind today.
Yesterday evening, I watched the last episode of Nativity, and was moved to tears by the way the downcast shepherd, Thomas, kissed the foot of the new born baby in the stable. Then the aged Magi, after their 1000 mile journey knelt in adoration. This child carries the hopes of so many in himself. What a wonderful contrast to the bleak news stories of brokenness and hopelessness.
As we heard last evening, 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.' (John 1.14)
The miracle of God stepping into our world, to share and bear our pain, and transform us into children of God, continues to amaze and challenge me. As we shall sing, 'Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.'
What a blessing that would be for the broken and hopeless of our world. I shall pray for many miracles today.
Best wishes,
Richard

Mutual Support

Oh dear! Politicians have stared to fall out. The honeymoon period of the coalition government is clearly over. Of course, we have known that there have been differences even within parties in the past - think the Eurosceptic wars of previous Tory cabinets. The present difficulties have even put the snow and cold into the shade. What is obvious is that the era of mutual support is over. That is sad.
The Bible account of the pregnancy of Mary shows a better way to face difficulties. Mary's first place to find support was to visit her elderly cousin who was also pregnant. 'A problem shared is a problem halved' seems to have been in her mind.
'A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.' (Luke 1.39-44)
Instead of facing her developing pregnancy on her own, Mary's wise decision to share her experience with Elizabeth reminds me that all of us need the understanding and support of one another. In the busyness of these days, we can all provide support for some of those around us. What a gift that might be.
Best wishes,
Richard

Secrets

'Can I tell you a secret?' We usually enjoy this sense of being on the inside of significant information. The present flurry of Wikileaks stories feeds this appetite.
Many newspapers are full of stories which emerge from 'investigative journalism' when reporters have discovered something by legal or illegal means. Even Vince Cable has been embarrassed by having his comments recorded. Perhaps all of us are glad that our words and thoughts are not too often exposed.
St. Paul reminds his Roman readers that there will come a day when all our secrets will be revealed. 'And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. (Romans 2.16) That future prospect, of full and fair exposure, will catch many unprepared. But Paul also said, 'There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.' (Romans 8.1)
The Good News of this season is that God has provided what we all need - if we will accept his offer - someone to stand for us when our secret lives are laid bare. And God's generous offer is no secret. I shall remember to thank Him today.
Best wishes,
Richard

More!

Surrounded by snow, and enjoying the views, it seems we are due to get more snow - with all that will mean for those hoping to travel and visit family and friends. Clashing with this reality, our expectations are also making us hope for more - stuff in the shops, more deliveries from Royal Mail or courier companies. John Bell, again on Thought for the Day on the Today programme, spoke of the culture of entitlement which poisons the way we think - we believe we are entitled to be in control of our lives and loves, and get immensely frustrated when our desires are blocked. Getting more may not always happen.
But St. Paul, writing from prison, and facing possible execution, prays that his friends may know more - but it is more with a difference.
'I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.' (Philippians 1.9-11)
This prayer for more love - for God and others - is what we all need. To know God's life within our experience will make us able to bring more glory and praise to Him. That would be good to see!
Best wishes,
Richard

Plan A

If Plan A doesn't work, is there a Plan B? That question is being asked by some political commentators and cartoonists. What does the present coalition government have up their respective sleeves as Plan B? With the tight squeeze on local authorities, the police and so on, many are going top be losing their jobs, but will it all work? They clearly don't want to spend their way out of trouble, so then what?
Many Christian people may wonder what is God's Plan A, and is there a Plan B? St. Paul had to address that sort of question in many of his writings, as it was a hot topic for the first generation of believers. One of his most clear statements on the issue is in Romans. 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first-born among many brothers and sisters.' (Romans 8.28-29)
The Plan A, which covers all eventualities (God causes everything to work together), is that we become like his Son. That means that every moment of every day, God is in the business of helping us to grow to become more like Jesus. Those difficulties and pains which are so troublesome are part of the Lord's means of changing us from the self-centred people we so often are, to become those who trust Him fully, just as Jesus did. So when I see that this is the one and only plan the Lord has for me, I am learning to rest myself in his good purposes for me. Whatever stresses we face today, these are gifts from the Lord! How wonderful.
Best wishes,
Richard

Roots

When completing some application  forms, I have to state that my place of birth was Shanghai, China. In some cases, I also have to reveal my father's place of birth, which was Madras, India. These facts do not support my claim to be a British citizen, in some circles. My origins appear too much like an economic migrant.
But in many traditional communities, your place of birth reveals significant information about your family and your social status. Hence, ancient prophesies about the longed for ruler for the troubled people of Judah required that he was going to come from Bethlehem, where the much loved David was born. So, Micah writing in about 750BC, states, ' But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.  And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace.' (Micah 5.2,4,5a)
As we shall see, as the story unfolds, Jesus was only born there because of the dictates of the tyrannical Roman Emperor. How extraordinary that while under the same external constraints that all of us face, Jesus is able to make a difference for people like us. That is not because of his physical birth in Bethlehem, but because of his divine origins. Lets us rest ourselves in him.
Best wishes,
Richard

Promise Keeping

Much of the anger about the rise in university tuition fees arises from the perception that Nick Clegg has broken some clearly made promises, from his pre-election campaign. He has given his explanation for his present stance, but for those who write slogans on protest banners, this is the issue which gets people angry. But he is not the first politician, nor will he be the last, who has been accused of failing to keep campaign promises. Their general argument is that when the situation changes - as it does - then the policy and practice has to be flexible too.
Prophets in ancient Israel were recorded as making astonishing and unlikely promises, as the mouthpiece of the living God. Hence, Jeremiah, in about 620BC, when Judah was about to be overrun by the Babylonian forces of Nebuchadnezzar, makes a clear promise. '“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.
“In those days and at that time
      I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.
      He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety.
 And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 33.14-16)
We see these promises being kept in the sending of Jesus, whose birth can be the focus of our present living - rather than all that might distract us.
To know that God is a God who is faithful to his promises and committed to keeping the terms of his covenant with his people gives us great security in a rapidly changing world. As we often sing, he is the 'Faithful One, so unchanging', who is the 'Defender of the weak' and who provides the strength we need to live faithfully today. What a privilege.
Best wishes,
Richard

Threats

The death of the suicide bomber in Sweden, and the intended visit of Pastor Jones from Florida to Luton both remind us of the ways in which some people generate poison and hatred from their supposed religious convictions. Some would remark. 'All religion is dangerous', and fail to see where hope lies.
If you missed John Bell's masterful comments on Radio 4's Though for the Day on the Today Programme just before 8am, catch it on their iplayer.
How different from the ways in which the prophet Isaiah outlines the ministry of the Chosen One of God. 'The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
      for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favour has come' (Isaiah 61.1-2a)
In his own ministry, Jesus used these verses as his manifesto, and preached on this passage in the synagogue in Nazareth, his home town. As Luke tells us, it didn't go down well, and the townspeople wanted to kill him for such arrogant claims. (Luke 4.28-30)
Bringing a message of true hope and divine mercy does not always make us popular, and we too may face the abuse and rejection that Jesus himself faced. We have Good News to share - but not all will see it that way.
Best wishes,
Richard

Peace Prize

Today, in Oslo, Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This hasn't gone down well in China itself, as he is currently serving a prison sentence for his activities. It is ironic that a man so committed to non-violence in the struggle for change should be treated so harshly. But such a stance takes enormous courage, especially when he had been encouraged by the Chinese government to leave China, as many other dissidents have. But he has chosen to stay, in order to keep the issue alive in China itself.
Jesus was announced as the Prince of Peace, and yet we know his life was dogged by those who opposed his stance and teaching. The Prophet Isaiah announced the style and approach of this peace-bringer. '“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
      He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
 I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.
 He will not shout or raise his voice in public.
 He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
 He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.
 Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.” (Isaiah 42.1-4)
Because the peace Jesus brings is based on the justice of God, and not on human convenience, many will resist his call to peace. But for those bruised  and betrayed by the powerful, Jesus offers strength, hope of change and new life. Let us share that great message today.
Best wishes,
Richard

Wilderness

With the vote of Education cuts coming up tomorrow, some are predicting that both further and higher education will be turned into a wilderness. The rich and successful will thrive, as they usually do, while those from less favoured backgrounds will be left out. The aspirations of the strong and fit will be fruitful, but those of the vulnerable and weak will wither and die.
Much of the Old & New Testaments address the issues of living in or on the edge of the wilderness. Significantly, the people of faith learn from that experience what it is to trust God when times are hard. But the Prophet Isaiah sets out the future promises of God against the background of the experience of living in the wilderness.
'Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
      The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
 Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
      and singing and joy!
   The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
      as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
   There the Lord will display his glory,
      the splendour of our God.
 With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
      and encourage those who have weak knees.
 Say to those with fearful hearts,
      “Be strong, and do not fear,
   for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
      He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35.1-4)
In the bleakness of many people's lives - whether facing education cuts, or uncertainty over jobs and health and whatever - these promises provide the hope which strengthens tired hands and weak knees!
The promise that He is coming to save you is great news, and we can learn to live in the light of this today. How amazing.
Best wishes,
Richard

Helpless & Hopeless

The stranded motorists stuck in the snow in central Scotland were helpless - "there were no signs of gritters or support" - and hopeless - nothing could be done - just sit it out.
As more decisions are made about the cuts to be implemented by Government and local authorities, many vulnerable people are feeling helpless and hopeless. Many on Goldsworth Park will know Jason Vaughan, in his wheelchair. He came to see me the other week, in great anguish at the prospect of much less support available for him. He feels helpless and hopeless. His carers and supporters do a great job, but there are fears for the future.
The Prophet Isaiah was living at a time when hope was in very short supply, for many reasons. Politically, economically, and spiritually, life for the ancient nation if Israel was on the slide. People felt helpless and hopeless.
Yet he brought words of hope and help. 
'Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  He will delight in obeying the Lord.' (Isaiah 11.1-3a)
That promised help and bringer of hope was the Lord Jesus, born at Bethlehem (David's city) and yet dying for us outside the walls of Jerusalem. As St. Paul's reminded his Roman friends, 'When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  ' (Romans 5.6,8)
Today, we can all know the help and hope from the Lord - because He loves us - and we can bring that help & hope to all we meet. What a privilege!
Best wishes,
Richard

Spare a thought

While watching the BBC 24 News channel last evening, it is clear that Woking has had much less snow than many in Britain. The news also shows us events all around the world, which make us realise that other people are facing suffering and disasters which remind us how fortunate we are.
In these situations, we can either feel smug and self-satisfied, or we can feel sympathy. We often remark, 'Spare a thought' for some friend or setting, and hope that it will lead us to be more sympathetic. What might 'Spare a thought' mean for us?
The writer to the Hebrews reminds his audience of their appropriate Christian response to the needs of others. 'Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.' (Hebrews 13.3)
When he repeats the 'Remember those', he is reminding us to pray - to remember before God - and to take action as well if possible. The repeated 'as if you' calls us to enter the experience of others in our imaginations, and to feel what they feel. That then stirs us to our prayers.
The news we receive, both local and global, can be one of our greatest aids to our concerned and committed prayer each day.
Best wishes,
Richard

Burglaries

There has been a spate of house burglaries in recent days on Goldsworth Park. Police & Neighbourhood Watch groups have been warning home owners to make sure they lock their doors properly. As usual though, the fear of crime is great than the actual incidence of criminal activity. The good news is that Surrey is one of the safest places in the UK to live. Nonetheless, burglaries still happen, and we need to do what we can not to encourage the local burglars.
Jesus used a similar situation for a very different purpose. 'Understand this: If a home owner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.' (Matthew 24.43-44)
In all the busyness of our lives - worrying about the weather and the ice, getting upset over England's failed World Cup bid and the approach of Christmas - we can easily ignore the most important future event that is coming. Jesus warns us not to ignore his return, when all accounts will be settled, and when it will be too late to do what we had to do. So today, I shall seek to get things sorted out which must be sorted out - and stop delaying important actions.
How about you?
Best wishes,
Richard

Not Ashamed!

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey will launch "Not Ashamed Day" outside the House of Lords. Campaigners say a mounting number of cases of workers being disciplined over their beliefs show Christianity is being "air brushed" from UK society. Sections of our media and culture are very ignorant about the foundational facts which underpin much in our social and constitutional fabric. I was talking to a friend yesterday, who did not know where St. Paul's Cathedral is, nor what is represents.
I am reminded of the pressures that the first Christians were under, which were far more dangerous. To refuse, as Christians did, to state 'Caesar is Lord', instead proclaiming 'Jesus is Lord!', was bound to raise the pressure on them. Many were imprisoned, some were executed, but still they were not ashamed. St. Paul from prison writes to his timorous colleague, Timothy, and encourages him to be courageous. 'I am not ashamed of the Good News, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.' (2 Timothy 1.12)
We won't face prison for our Christian faith today, but many of us may be tempted to cover up our convictions and values, under a blanket of wanting to avoid controversy, or because we crave popularity and don't want to seem odd. Today, may we have the courage of our convictions and the grace to live for Jesus.
Best wishes,
Richard