Scripture: Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5: 7-8) Reflection: At this time of year many people are aware it’s advent. This can mean counting down the days until Christmas Day on calendars, whether the chocolate, perfume or pet variety. For the young, or young at heart, the idea of being patient is the most challenging thing imaginable. The commercial aspect of Christmas starts nice and early, and threatens to overwhelm the meaning of advent. This is a time for quiet, calm, reflection, as we get ourselves ready for the best birthday ever. The outside world tries to counter this, encouraging us to cram our calendars with social events we’ve been missing, or avoiding all year. School, family and friend commitments suddenly seem to breed, leaving little room to remember to stop and be ready. We’re impatient for the presents and visits, or perhaps for the calm after the storm once Christmas and Boxing Day have passed. This week, just stop, and try to remember what the busyness is for. The coming of the Lord will be so incredible my words won’t do it justice. Stop and imagine that, and think what you can do to be ready. Victoria Bray
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 7th December and for the week ahead:Scripture: 'In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”' (Matthew 3.1-3) Reflection:Jesus’ cousin John was born before Jesus. In his birth and life he proclaimed himself as preparing the way – a way, a path, that requires us to clear away the obstructions that get in the way of peace of heart and mind; admitting to ourselves and to God the things that are troubling us. We are preparing to celebrate the assurance given by the birth of a baby that God is with us, not against us. We are also looking to prepare ourselves for a fuller experience of the Kingdom, any time. No need to wait! David Harmsworth
