David Cameron's speech, last week, in which he stated that Britain was a Christian country, has stirred up much debate.
When we were singing carols in the pub on Saturday evening, a fellow who had had too much to drink told me that he would be coming to our Carol Service, because of the Prime Minister's words. But it doesn't seem as though we are in a particularly Christian country when we encounter a lot of ignorance about so much of what Christians believe.
But have you noticed what this year's Christmas stamps have on them?
The second class one shows a stylised angel flying, and in small print, but clearly visible, are the words Matthew 1.21.
Did you know what that verse says?
'And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Most people may not know the significance of Christmas, having allowed it to be drowned in the shopping and feasting. But this message is the Good News of Christmas.
This angelic announcement is at the heart of the Christian understanding of why Jesus came into our world. It explains why we need rescuing, and why we can trust Jesus to save us.
And we could make use of this piece of Christian information to talk with friends and neighbours about the 'real meaning' of this wonderful season. That is good news too.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Evidence
Following our World Record Attempt at our Carol Service (to be The Largest Group of carol Singers Across Multiple Venues!), we have to provide evidence of how many people were present.
This is provided in 3 ways.
First, Ed Stokes took some still photos, which look good, and show a big crowd of people, mostly their backs, appearing to be singing!
Then Barry Nay set up his video camera, which has produced a great film of the whole 15 minutes of our singing. The evidence there is more detailed - we can even hear that some singing isn't in tune!
But the most important pieces of evidence are the two signed statements from 'Independent Witnesses' (Sue Tresillian, Headteacher of Sythwood School, and Hedley Quinton, from Lakeside Christian Fellowship).
They had Hand Tally Counters to aid them, and they had to ignore all under 10s, and all stewards and supervisors. Sue's figure was 192, and Hedley's was 193.
That is a good level of evidence for the truth of our claim to have been part of the genuine World Record.
When Luke tells his story about the events surrounding the birth, life and death of Jesus, he needs to present reasons why we should trust his story. And this he gives us, as he writes to his original recipient, a man named Theophilus. 'Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honourable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.' (Luke 1.1-4)
Serious historians and theologians of these days generally accept that Luke was one of the greatest historians of the ancient world. Whenever his details can be checked against other sources, they agree.
This means that when we read these stories, we are in the realm of fact and truth, rather than fable and fantasy.
As we retell this great Christmas story in the next few days, let us rejoice to know we have solid grounds for trusting the God who sent Jesus for us.
Best wishes,
Richard
This is provided in 3 ways.
First, Ed Stokes took some still photos, which look good, and show a big crowd of people, mostly their backs, appearing to be singing!
Then Barry Nay set up his video camera, which has produced a great film of the whole 15 minutes of our singing. The evidence there is more detailed - we can even hear that some singing isn't in tune!
But the most important pieces of evidence are the two signed statements from 'Independent Witnesses' (Sue Tresillian, Headteacher of Sythwood School, and Hedley Quinton, from Lakeside Christian Fellowship).
They had Hand Tally Counters to aid them, and they had to ignore all under 10s, and all stewards and supervisors. Sue's figure was 192, and Hedley's was 193.
That is a good level of evidence for the truth of our claim to have been part of the genuine World Record.
When Luke tells his story about the events surrounding the birth, life and death of Jesus, he needs to present reasons why we should trust his story. And this he gives us, as he writes to his original recipient, a man named Theophilus. 'Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honourable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.' (Luke 1.1-4)
Serious historians and theologians of these days generally accept that Luke was one of the greatest historians of the ancient world. Whenever his details can be checked against other sources, they agree.
This means that when we read these stories, we are in the realm of fact and truth, rather than fable and fantasy.
As we retell this great Christmas story in the next few days, let us rejoice to know we have solid grounds for trusting the God who sent Jesus for us.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 19 December 2011
It's a World Record!
News from the World Record bid is that 'we did it!' At 10.30 p.m., I received the following message:
At St. Andrew's, while our 'official numbers' were 192, that did not include children 10 and under, nor any of our sides-persons and others involved in hosting and welcome. I guess that would put our figures well above 220.
Thanks are due to our musicians, singers and others who helped in many ways. I am particularly thankful for those who invited family, friends and neighbours, so that all could hear again the 'Greatest Story' Ever Told' in a friendly atmosphere.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus, and pray we will all prove this to be true in our own experience. 'Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”' (John 8.12)
Over these days, I am also reminded that we have great opportunities to invite many more people to our other Christmas events - mostly on Christmas Eve. Please pray that our Family Carol Service (3.30pm) and our Midnight Communion (11pm) will also be full! Do some extra inviting to these events as well.
Best wishes,
Richard
WE'VE DONE IT…. So far we are at 17117 carol singers…As a further 57 churches' numbers had not been received, the final total will be somewhere in the high 20000s.
At St. Andrew's, while our 'official numbers' were 192, that did not include children 10 and under, nor any of our sides-persons and others involved in hosting and welcome. I guess that would put our figures well above 220.
Thanks are due to our musicians, singers and others who helped in many ways. I am particularly thankful for those who invited family, friends and neighbours, so that all could hear again the 'Greatest Story' Ever Told' in a friendly atmosphere.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus, and pray we will all prove this to be true in our own experience. 'Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”' (John 8.12)
Over these days, I am also reminded that we have great opportunities to invite many more people to our other Christmas events - mostly on Christmas Eve. Please pray that our Family Carol Service (3.30pm) and our Midnight Communion (11pm) will also be full! Do some extra inviting to these events as well.
Best wishes,
Richard
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Rising Faith
With only 10 days to go before Christmas Day itself, the pressure is rising.
Shops are slashing the prices of items which haven't sold as well as expected, and bargains may yet be acquired. But what else might be happening?
I have been struck by the way the central characters in the Christmas story respond to their encounters with God's activity.
As we saw yesterday, Zechariah struggled to believe that God could do what he said. 'Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” (Luke 1.18) In other words, "I don't believe God can do what you have just said!"
The heart of unbelief is to reckon that God cannot deliver on his promises. On the other hand, rising faith believes that God can deliver on his promises.
So Gabriel then demonstrates that God is able to deliver. He provides Zechariah with a startling demonstration of God's power. 'But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1.20) Once Zechariah realised that he indeed could NOT speak, I guess he realised that he had better start trusting God.
He goes home, and in due course, Elizabeth becomes pregnant. Zechariah will have learned that God is able to do what he promises. That will have led to rising faith.
For many of us, we may have a theoretical faith that God is faithful and loving. But our faith will only grow and rise if we find ourselves ready to trust particular promises in difficult situations. In these days, where are the pressure points in your life? What do you think the Lord wants to do there? Can you trust him to make a difference? As we learn to trust him outside our comfort zones, then we will see our faith rise and we will be growing in wonderful ways.
Best wishes,
Richard
Shops are slashing the prices of items which haven't sold as well as expected, and bargains may yet be acquired. But what else might be happening?
I have been struck by the way the central characters in the Christmas story respond to their encounters with God's activity.
As we saw yesterday, Zechariah struggled to believe that God could do what he said. 'Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” (Luke 1.18) In other words, "I don't believe God can do what you have just said!"
The heart of unbelief is to reckon that God cannot deliver on his promises. On the other hand, rising faith believes that God can deliver on his promises.
So Gabriel then demonstrates that God is able to deliver. He provides Zechariah with a startling demonstration of God's power. 'But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1.20) Once Zechariah realised that he indeed could NOT speak, I guess he realised that he had better start trusting God.
He goes home, and in due course, Elizabeth becomes pregnant. Zechariah will have learned that God is able to do what he promises. That will have led to rising faith.
For many of us, we may have a theoretical faith that God is faithful and loving. But our faith will only grow and rise if we find ourselves ready to trust particular promises in difficult situations. In these days, where are the pressure points in your life? What do you think the Lord wants to do there? Can you trust him to make a difference? As we learn to trust him outside our comfort zones, then we will see our faith rise and we will be growing in wonderful ways.
Best wishes,
Richard
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Well Prepared
Just over 10 days to Christmas Day, and some will be asking, 'Am I well prepared for what is coming?'
But these are days of exciting opportunity, and plans for our World Record Attempt at our Carol Service are going well. The Lord is providing us with opportunities to reach out - and will we be well prepared enough to take them?
Reflecting on the activity of God, in the Christmas story, we can see how people varied in their reactions to God's activity.
The old couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, to be the parents of John the Baptist, show these different reactions. As we know Zechariah was slow on the uptake, while his wife was much more eager for God's activity in her life. He is struck dumb, and she is excited. 'Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1.19-20) When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterwards his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (Luke 1.23-25)
These well known Bible stories remind me that each of us has the challenge to respond to what God wants to be doing in our lives and around us.
We can miss the chance to be fully engaged, like Zechariah, or be eagerly involved, like Elizabeth.
So I ask, 'Are you well prepared? - not just for the Christmas season, but for God's activity in your life?
It is such an amazing privilege to see the Lord's activity in the lives of ordinary people in our Church. I have been very excited to hear great stories in recent days. But we can all be the location of miracles and wonderful answers to prayer, if we choose to be well prepared!
Best wishes,
Richard
But these are days of exciting opportunity, and plans for our World Record Attempt at our Carol Service are going well. The Lord is providing us with opportunities to reach out - and will we be well prepared enough to take them?
Reflecting on the activity of God, in the Christmas story, we can see how people varied in their reactions to God's activity.
The old couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, to be the parents of John the Baptist, show these different reactions. As we know Zechariah was slow on the uptake, while his wife was much more eager for God's activity in her life. He is struck dumb, and she is excited. 'Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” (Luke 1.19-20) When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterwards his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (Luke 1.23-25)
These well known Bible stories remind me that each of us has the challenge to respond to what God wants to be doing in our lives and around us.
We can miss the chance to be fully engaged, like Zechariah, or be eagerly involved, like Elizabeth.
So I ask, 'Are you well prepared? - not just for the Christmas season, but for God's activity in your life?
It is such an amazing privilege to see the Lord's activity in the lives of ordinary people in our Church. I have been very excited to hear great stories in recent days. But we can all be the location of miracles and wonderful answers to prayer, if we choose to be well prepared!
Best wishes,
Richard
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Properly Connected
Amazing Christmas lights adorn a selection of homes near here - with Santa climbing chimneys or ladders. Blue fairy lights seem to be the fashion, as well as reindeer and sledges. Apart from the effect on the electricity bills, I think they look great!
But they only work because they are properly connected to the electricity supply.
Jesus spoke of the effects of our being properly connected to him.
Obviously, Jesus used and illustration that was not of electric lights, but the principle is the same. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.' (John 15.5)
'How do we remain in him?' is the obvious question.
The experience of many people is that we practice 'keeping in touch', by deliberate focus and frequent short conversations with Jesus, as our Friend and Leader. Just as some use their Blackberry or smart phone to keep connected with friends and family (or the latest news), so all of us can, with or without technology, keep properly connected to Jesus throughout the day.
That will be a wonderful experience in it own right - and the result will be that we live lives which produce much fruit. That fruit will be both changed lives (ours and other around us) and changed attitudes and character (so we are more like Jesus).
Good result, I would say!
Today, make sure you are properly connected - and lets hear the stories that result.
Best wishes,
Richard
But they only work because they are properly connected to the electricity supply.
Jesus spoke of the effects of our being properly connected to him.
Obviously, Jesus used and illustration that was not of electric lights, but the principle is the same. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.' (John 15.5)
'How do we remain in him?' is the obvious question.
The experience of many people is that we practice 'keeping in touch', by deliberate focus and frequent short conversations with Jesus, as our Friend and Leader. Just as some use their Blackberry or smart phone to keep connected with friends and family (or the latest news), so all of us can, with or without technology, keep properly connected to Jesus throughout the day.
That will be a wonderful experience in it own right - and the result will be that we live lives which produce much fruit. That fruit will be both changed lives (ours and other around us) and changed attitudes and character (so we are more like Jesus).
Good result, I would say!
Today, make sure you are properly connected - and lets hear the stories that result.
Best wishes,
Richard
Monday, 12 December 2011
Party Time
Tesco, Iceland, Sainsbury's. Morrisons and the rest promise to provide all we need, apparently, to feed our guests over the Party Season, without much work.
Many of us will enjoy some form of party or special gathering around Christmas. Taking time to meet friends and family, and to enjoy one another's company, is something that seems to happen in the next few weeks. This feature of the Christmas season is, however, one reason why some people dread this time of year. Family relationships may be strained, and real friends are hard to find.
It is quite striking that Jesus was himself something of a party animal. The Gospels record him enjoying hospitality on numerous occasions, and he often told stories about wealthy and powerful people laying on extravagant parties and feasts.
'“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!' (Matthew 22.1-3) Jesus here indicates that many people refuse or ignore his invitation to enjoy the blessings of relationship with Him.
Elsewhere, Jesus is portrayed as being the One who needs to be invited to share hospitality. '“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.' (Revelation 3.20)
I am reminded of the time, many years ago, when I asked Jesus in to my life, to be my friend. It has been wonderful to know that he has kept his promise - I will come in - and I have benefited hugely from his faithful friendship. Doing life with Jesus makes every day a real party experience. How is your life with Jesus?
Best wishes,
Richard
Many of us will enjoy some form of party or special gathering around Christmas. Taking time to meet friends and family, and to enjoy one another's company, is something that seems to happen in the next few weeks. This feature of the Christmas season is, however, one reason why some people dread this time of year. Family relationships may be strained, and real friends are hard to find.
It is quite striking that Jesus was himself something of a party animal. The Gospels record him enjoying hospitality on numerous occasions, and he often told stories about wealthy and powerful people laying on extravagant parties and feasts.
'“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!' (Matthew 22.1-3) Jesus here indicates that many people refuse or ignore his invitation to enjoy the blessings of relationship with Him.
Elsewhere, Jesus is portrayed as being the One who needs to be invited to share hospitality. '“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.' (Revelation 3.20)
I am reminded of the time, many years ago, when I asked Jesus in to my life, to be my friend. It has been wonderful to know that he has kept his promise - I will come in - and I have benefited hugely from his faithful friendship. Doing life with Jesus makes every day a real party experience. How is your life with Jesus?
Best wishes,
Richard
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