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 1:17

Our 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 Gospel

Our 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.

Notices

Sunday 14 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion Service

Sunday 14 December 4.00pm Traditional Christmas Service – nine lessons and carols at All Saints Bisham Church

Friday 19 December 8.30am – 9.30am End of Term – school drop off and coffee at All Saints Bisham Church

Sunday 21 December 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion Service

Sunday 21 December 4.00pm Community Carol Service with the JAM Choir at All Saints Bisham Church

Wednesday 24 December 3.00pm Crib Service at All Saints Bisham Church

Thursday 25 December 9.30am Christmas Day Service at All Saints Bisham Church

Sunday 28 December 9.30am Communion Service at All Saints Bisham Church

Sunday 4 January 8.00am Early Morning Communion – Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 4 January 9.30am Sunday Morning Communion Service

Thank you for reading this week’s Pew News.