John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  Matthew 3 : 4 - 6

Readings this week Isaiah 11 : 1 - 10; Romans 15 : 4 - 13; Matthew 3 : 1 - 12

Some thoughts for this week

The message of John the Baptist is challenging in every generation. The call to return to the Lord’s ways of truth, justice and peace.

A call to repentance. Yet repentance is such a positive, healing thing. A move of the Holy Spirit to return to who we are made to be. Who we truly are.

The leaves have almost gone from the trees now as Winter sets in. Soon the branches will be bare. Yet we know the seeds, bulbs, roots safely in the ground will shoot again. Because of the Winter, Spring will be able to flourish and make new.

Jesus has won for us forgiveness and new life in Him. What do we need to rediscover in this season of Advent about who we truly are? How can we renew our awareness of being made in God’s image. What do we need to lay aside in others’ views of us, and the lies of the world? How can we reclaim the truth of being made in Jesus’ own image?

Repentance leads to faith and discovering the true treasure of Jesus’ Kingdom. Let us welcome the Holy Spirit in all He longs to do in our lives, and rediscover Jesus’ love and true freedom. 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Almighty God, you sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son; grant that those who proclaim your word may so guide our feet into the way of peace, that we may stand with confidence before him when he comes in his glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer. Amen.

Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

We praise the Lord and give thanks …

For the children who come to Prayer Spaces, for their openness in faith and the enthusiasm they bring

For those who find peace and Jesus’ comfort in our churches at this time