Every year, alongside many other leaders of worship, ministers, lay workers and teachers we are faced with telling the same story at this time of year.
“Saviour of the world, born in Bethlehem.”
Choose a bold headline, think up another creative way to tell the story, act it out, dress up, one school play plans to have an Alien from outer space coming to earth with a message, another has messages in bottles, whatever next?
I realise that since I told the story last year, it may be the same, but we have changed. Some have lost loved ones, others confronted with illness, broken relationships and loss of employment, some have gained a family member in the form of a child, grandchild, son or daughter in law, new job, retirement, we are all different.
God chose a moment in time to send his Son into the world, not so much when we were ready, (would we ever be?) but when the time was right, he comes again and again into our experience and offers us opportunity to see it, (and HIM) afresh.
The shops of course get ready months if not years in advance, trying to work out what will be the latest must have, what’s hot as it were. What will be this year’s favourite item? If we’re honest this time of year usually falls into a set pattern, we follow many of the traditions and practices passed on from families over the years. The star on top of the tree, the turkey, the visitors. We will inevitably get drawn into the rush of preparation and the business of being swept along by events, but stop, think about gifts, giving and the main reason we are celebrating at this time.
Like everyone else, I will be up to my eyes in various things to do, places to go, people to see and all that! Not just with the peripherals of everything going on, but the baby of the manger who became the man of the cross, Jesus Christ. He is God’s gift.
Pause for a moment and consider
If you could offer one gift this year, what would it be? If you could receive one gift, what would it be?
Prayer Faithful God, travelling with us in times past, promising your presence for future days, you continue to lead and guide us, on this journey and pilgrimage of faith.
Help us as we look back, to learn from our various traditions, their many stories of your presence drawing near. Help us to learn the lessons from our journey that make our lives, and the life of the world, a better place. Help us to continually to look for you, in the angel’s message, the star, and as the story unfolds, find you in the stable. The babe of the manger who becomes the man of the cross.
We pray especially for;
those who have lost their way in life…….. those waiting for the promise to be revealed…….. those who endure hardship and persecution for their faith……. those victimised and beaten, the dispossessed, the poor….. those who see no positive way forward…….
May we, through our faith in Jesus Christ, look for your leading and guidance this Advent as we journey forward. Enable us to offer all people the knowledge and assurance of God’s love, as we witnesses together on this continuing journey of faith. Amen.
