Sunday 21 December – 4th Sunday of Advent

Reflection

As 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 Gospel

Our 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.

Notices

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

Sunday 11 January 9.30am: Sunday Morning Communion Service

Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.