Sunday 21 December – 4th Sunday of AdventReflectionAs we prepare for the coming of Christ, the fourth Sunday of Advent focuses upon The Virgin Mary who bears Jesus in her womb. We read at the start of Matthew’s Gospel how the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to offer reassurance:“ …. do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”These words serve as a reminder to us how God works in mysterious ways beyond our understanding. Like Joseph and Mary, at times of uncertainty, we need to have faith and trust in God’s judgement and redemptive plans.God our Father, though Mary was afraid, she responded to your call with joy. Help us, whom you call to serve you, to share like her in your great work of bringing to our world your love and healing. Amen.Reading and GospelOur reading this week is from Isaiah 7: verses 10-16. The full verses can be found in the Old Testament on page 663 of our pew bibles.The Gospel reading, from Matthew 1: verses 18-25, begins on page 1 of the New Testament in our pew bibles.In Isaiah, we hear the original prophecy about the birth of Jesus, the fulfilment of which is then described in Matthew’s gospel:“Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.”The name Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us”, suggests that God’s presence will always be with us, even at times of trouble. Isaiah’s words are a sign of both hope and immediate reassurance, at a time when the kingdom of Judah was threatened by enemies. But, for Christians, the words are also seen as a foundational prophesy – a cornerstone of Christian belief - through the promise of a future messiah and confirmation of the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth.NoticesSunday 21 December 9.30am: Sunday Morning Communion ServiceSunday 21 December 4.00pm: Community Carol Service with the JAM Choir at All Saints' Bisham ChurchWednesday 24 December 3.00pm: Crib Service at All Saints' Bisham ChurchThursday 25 December 9.30am: Christmas Day Service at All Saints' Bisham ChurchSunday 28 December 9.30am: Communion Service at All Saints' Bisham ChurchSunday 4 January 8.00am: Early Morning Communion – Book of Common Prayer Sunday 4 January 9.30am: Sunday Morning Communion ServiceSunday 11 January 9.30am: Sunday Morning Communion ServiceThank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.
Each of the four Advent Sundays reminds us of those who prepared for the coming of Christ. Advent 3 focuses upon John the Baptist.We read in Luke’s Gospel how the Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and tells him his wife Elizabeth will bear them a son and they will name him John.“With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17Our Advent theme, preparing for the coming of the Lord, appears again in this week’s Gospel reading (Matthew 11:10) where Jesus speaks about John:This is the one about whom it is written.“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”The Third Sunday of Advent is also a call to find joy in the midst of darkness, reminding us that Jesus’ arrival brings hope and light. The rose-pink candle symbolises this glad anticipation for the Lord’s coming.Lord Jesus, you were proclaimed by John the Baptist: help us also to prepare your way.Christ, have mercy.Reading and GospelOur reading this week, from Isiah 35: verses 1 – 10, is a passage of hope and restoration. Isiah urges us to be strong and do not fear for your God will come.The coming of the Lord will be a time when those redeemed by God:“… shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”.The full verses can be found in the Old Testament on page 689 of our pew bibles.Our Gospel reading, from Matthew 11: verses 2-11, begins on page 11 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Jesus reminds us that even when times are difficult, we can hear and see the signs of God’s kingdom that are all around us.Jesus praises John the Baptist as more than a prophet. At the same time, he challenges our perceptions of greatness and our understanding of what we need to do to enter the kingdom of heaven.NoticesSunday 14 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion ServiceSunday 14 December 4.00pm Traditional Christmas Service – nine lessons and carols at All Saints Bisham ChurchFriday 19 December 8.30am – 9.30am End of Term – school drop off and coffee at All Saints Bisham ChurchSunday 21 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion ServiceSunday 21 December 4.00pm Community Carol Service with the JAM Choir at All Saints Bisham ChurchWednesday 24 December 3.00pm Crib Service at All Saints Bisham ChurchThursday 25 December 9.30am Christmas Day Service at All Saints Bisham ChurchSunday 28 December 9.30am Communion Service at All Saints Bisham ChurchSunday 4 January 8.00am Early Morning Communion – Book of Common Prayer Sunday 4 January 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion ServiceThank you for reading this week’s Pew News.
Last Sunday we lit our first purple advent candle which forms part of the Advent wreath. Three candles are purple (symbolizing prayer, penitence and self-sacrifice) and one is pink (symbolizing joy). Each candle is lit progressively, with the pink candle lit on the third Sunday.The white Christ Candle in the centre of the wreath symbolises purity and holiness.The 2nd Sunday of Advent focuses upon The Prophets and gives us an opportunity to reflect on peace and the way the birth of the Messiah was foretold.Lord Jesus, light of the world,the prophets said you would bring peaceand save your people in trouble.Give peace in our hearts at Christmasand show all the world God’s love.Amen.Reading and GospelOur reading this week is from Isiah 11 verses 1 – 11 in which the Prophet gives a vivid depiction of a future world where harmony and peace will reign. The attributes and qualities attributed to the coming Messiah serve as a guide for us all to reflect upon in our own lives and actions.“Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist and faithfulness the belt around his loins”The full verses can be found in the Old Testament on page 667 of your pew bibles.Our Gospel reading, from Matthew 3 verses 1 – 12, is on page 3 of the New Testament in your pew bibles.We hear the voice of the Prophet John the Baptist inviting us all to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near” and we are reminded that John is the one of whom Isiah spoke when he said:“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.”John’s call for repentance is part of our preparation for the coming Messiah:“ …. one who is more powerful than I is coming after me … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”NoticesSunday 7 December 8.00am Book of Common Prayer - Early Morning Communion ServiceSunday 7 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion ServiceMonday 8 December 7.30pm Licensing Service for our new Team Rector Sam Follett at All Saints Marlow ChurchWednesday 10 December 10.00am – 12.00pm Daytime Christmas Carols (followed by refreshments) at All Saints Bisham ChurchSunday 14 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion ServiceSunday 14 December 4.00pm Traditional Christmas Service – nine lessons and carols at All Saints Bisham ChurchFriday 19 December 8.30am – 9.30am End of Term – school drop off and coffee at All Saints Bisham ChurchSunday 21 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion ServiceSunday 21 December 4.00pm Community Carol Service with the JAM Choir at All Saints Bisham ChurchWednesday 24 December 3.00pm Crib Service at All Saints Bisham ChurchThursday 25 December 9.30am Christmas Day Service at All Saints Bisham ChurchSunday 28 December 9.30am Communion Service at All Saints Bisham ChurchIf you are entering Santa’s Fun Run in Marlow this Sunday 7 December, then we suggest you come to our earlier 8.00am service. Anybody planning to come to our 9.30am service should be aware that the Marlow River Bridge is likely to be closed between 9.20am and 11.30am
We are blessed with a huge number of opportunities to come together as a community and enjoy the fellowship, love, care and support that brings. There are so many people who contribute to the life of our community. Actively co-operating in service to one another brings a real sense of belonging and purpose. Our thanks to you all.
