I have been struck by the images of the outsider at Christmas.  Not the little match girl from Dickens, who looks from the outside but cannot come in.  Not Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Tin Man", as the rejected child who through the cold and the snow looks in at the family gathering at a Christmas that he cannot participate in.  Neither do I think of the manger at Bethlehem and how difficult it was for Mary and Joseph as outsiders to find a home.  No, I'm thinking much more of the simple story told in an interview of a Red Cross worker from Sri Lanka on CBC Vancouver.  The worker was being interviewed by Gloria Macrenko and was telling stories of the aftermath of those who had experienced the tsunami five years ago this Boxing Day.  It is the story of a Sri Lankan man whose house had been rebuilt.  And oh, such a house!  He had never lived in such a house.  Nor did he or his family ever expected to own a building that was monsoon proof and so magnificent that it would last from generation to generation.  He had one problem; he could not enjoy this gift unless he was outside it looking in, so he continue to live in the little lean-to and hovel that he had lived in since the tsunami because it was the only way he could see his house.

Many of us think about Christmas and the gift of the Christ child and the welcome to the brand new beginning, a new home in Christ as it were.  We think about it.  We talk about it.  We think about others experiencing this welcome and warm place.  But we have much in common with the man in the lean-to in Sri Lanka. For some of us, Christmas and the coming of the Christ Child, is something we would rather talk about than experience.  For some of us, we prefer the old ways to the new ways.  For some of us, we can never imagine that something so wonderful could, in fact, be created for us.  This Christmas, I trust that whether we are searchers looking for the Christ at Bethlehem or whether we are those on a journey which never has seems to have a destination, or whether we are believers that are sitting outside, despite the welcome of the Christ Child at Christmas; whether we are any of these people, may this Christmas be particularly new and transformative. May the birth of the Christ, this year, be a new beginning for us.  Our birth into relationship with Him for the very first time or our rebirth again as we pick up the journey of life with the Son of God.

Grace and Peace be with you.

Jeremy Bell

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

From Gathering For Worship, The Baptist Union of Great Britain, published by the Canterbury Press Norwich, 2005, p. 354-355

Christmas: Incarnation

The birth of Jesus as Immanuel, God with us. The wonder of the divine

word made human flesh. Praise and thanksgiving for God alongside us in

Christ and for the opportunities for proclamation which the season brings.

Prayers for peace.

Isaiah 9.6f.; Luke 2.6f.; 2.10f.; John 1.10-14; 2 Corinthians 4.5f.;

Hebrews 1.1f.; 1 John 1.1f.

For a carol service

Loving God,

we come to hear again the familiar story

and to sing the familiar songs.

Break through our cosy celebration,

that we might recognize your voice

and heed your call.

Christmas Eve

God of light and hope,

of stars and surprises:

open our eyes to your glory

and our hearts to your presence,

that we may respond with joy to the angel song;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Invocation

Immanuel, God with us,

show us where you may be found today:

in each human birth,

in family joy,

in relentless tragedy,

in treasured babes

and homeless families.

Immanuel,

we rejoice that you are with us

in everything,

through everything.

Lord Christ, be born in us today.

Word of God become flesh in us

that we might live your gospel.

Light of the world, shine

in us and through us

for the sake of your world.

Loving God,

help us to see your grace,

hear your voice,

and follow in your way;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Christmas Prayer

Living God,

may the worship we have shared this Christmas

lead to acts of service which transform people's lives;

may the carols we have sung this Christmas

help others to sing, even in their sadness;

may the gifts we have exchanged this Christmas

deepen our spirit of giving throughout the year;

may the candles we have lit this Christmas

remind us that you intend no one to live in darkness;

may the new people we have met this Christmas

remind us that we meet you in our neighbours;

may the gathering together of family and friends this Christmas

make us appreciate anew the gift of loved ones;

may the stories we have told again this Christmas

be good news of great joy to us and all people

on our lips and in our lives;

may the ways you have come close to us this Christmas

not be forgotten

but, hidden in our memories,

be a rich resource

to lift us when times are painful

and humble us when things go well,

for you are our life, our light and our salvation

this season and always,

because of Jesus Christ our Lord.

An encircling prayer

For those for whom Christmas is a difficult time of year.

God of the past, present and future

encircle in your love and care

those for whom we pray:

For the housebound:

keep warmth in heart and home

and cold and loneliness at bay.

For the homeless:

give shelter and hope,

and save from despair and addiction.

For those facing violence in the home:

affirm their worth and dignity,

protect from blows and shield from scorn.

For those missing a loved one:

may memories be precious,

not morbid nor morose.

God of the past, present and future

encircle in your love and care

those for whom we pray.

From The Lion Book of Christian Poetry, compiled by Mary Batchelor, 2005, p. 198.

Psalm for Christmas Day

Fairest of morning lights appear,

            Thou blest and gaudy day,

On which was born our Saviour dear,

            Arise and come away!

This day prevents his day of doom;

            His mercy now is night;

The mighty God of love is come,

            This dayspring from on high!

Behold the great Creator makes

            Himself a house of clay,

A robe of virgin-flesh he takes

            Which he will wear for aye.

Hark, Hark, the wise eternal Word

            Like a weak infant cries:

In form of servant is the Lord,

            And God in cradle lies.

This wonder struck the world amazed,

            It shook the starry frame;

Squadrons of spirits stood and gazed,

            Then down in troops they came.

Glad shepherds ran to view this sight;

            A quire of angels sings;

And eastern sages with delight

            Adore this King of kings.

Join them all hearts that are not stone,

            And all our voices prove,

To celebrate this holy one,

            The God of peace and love.

                        Thomas Pestel, 1584?-1659?

Dear Folks,

Welcome to the season of Advent which pre-empts the two secular cultural commercialisations of our day:  the Christmas rush and New Year's.  It is a declaration by all Christians that this is a season where we anticipate and lovingly await the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all of us who have chosen to respond to the relationship He has offered to us, and the hope of the world. 

Advent historically, and in the preparation of this newsletter, pre-empts the raucous demands of the culture and intentionally and pointedly re-appropriates this season as an experience of worship and adoration.  It will be of interest to some of you that historically Christians considered Advent to be the beginning of the new year rather than the 1^st of January.

Claudia Wakeman and I have selected a variety of readings for your own devotional reflection in this month's newsletters leading up to Christmas. 

How Can I Be Sure of This?

A challenge and encouragement to spiritual leaders whether you are a treasurer, deacon, Sunday school teacher or youth leader, staff or clergy. 

I would like to direct your attention to Luke 1 vs5-25 and 55-80.  It is the story of Zechariah and before you go further in reading this piece would you please read the reference that has just been cited.  I was drawn to this chapter 2 weeks ago while sitting in church and it has touched and haunted me ever since.  I trust it will encourage you this Christmas season. 

Zechariah, like all of us who are faith leaders, was set aside by the people of God for a special task; each of us in our own special role.  Zechariah's role led him in a special way to represent the people in the temple.  Whatever our task, it is likely we are asked to represent someone else, as we perform a ministry or calling that God has asked us too.  When Zechariah is told of the great news that he and his wife, Elizabeth will have a son, he utters the immortal line in verse 18:  "How can I be sure of this?" and goes on to list his limitations.  I cannot tell you how often I have been prompted by the Spirit to imagine or dream some great thing, or have turned my nose up at what God has given, and in the default and pessimism of human nature asked Him " how on earth can it be solved....doesn't He know the situation?  Doesn't He know me? What could He possibly be thinking?"

As a sign to the people and a rebuke to Zechariah, Gabriel strikes Zechariah mute.  I must admit many people have prayed that for me.  I must further admit that I have returned the compliment.  Zechariah had a long time to reflect on what happened that day.  I want to suggest that instead of provoking one of God's messengers, like Gabriel, to cause us to be mute; why don't we symbolically set aside the time between Sunday the 27^th in the afternoon and the following Saturday to be far more still, quiet and reflective than we usually are.  Having been God's servants in so many ways, many of us need to be restored and say to the Lord, "Not how can I be sure of this, but Lord how can I, in your strength make it so?"

I hope this is a helpful invitation to Sabbath for each of us.  It has been for me.  I trust it will be for you.  It will be interesting to structure that quiet time and to maybe share the fruits of that time together in the New Year.

Warmly

In Christ,

Jeremy

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

From Gathering For Worship, The Baptist Union of Great Britain, published by the Canterbury Press Norwich, 2005, p. 35

Advent 4: Mary's Faith

Mary as a model of faith, as one who responds to God's call. Women and

God's valuing of those regarded by the world as lowly.

Isaiah 7.14; 9.2-7; Zechariah 2.10-11; Matthew 1.21-23; Luke 1.28-33;

1.35, 38; 1.46-49; 1.52-53; 1 Corinthians 1.26-27.

Thanksgiving and Dedication

Life-giving God,

we thank you for calling Mary

to be the mother of Jesus.

In a world where men were in control,

you chose a young girl

to nurture the Saviour of the world.

In a world where power is sought,

you turned our values upside-down

by inviting Mary to share in the great work of redemption.

We thank you

that still you call women and men

to share in your saving actions.

You call us to live and serve in the way of Christ,

uncertain of the future but trusting in your faithfulness.

Sometimes your choice surprises us,

the way you seem to point daunts us,

and your faith in our possibilities awes us.

Help us to say ‘Yes' when you call.

Enlarge our vision,

strengthen our resolve

and increase our sense of your all-sufficient grace,

that we might be used mightily

for your glory and for the serving of your world;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Intercession

Lord, prepare us for your Advent coming.

In our prayers today

we try to come to you,

sure that you will come the rest of the way.

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in the church.

Clean out the unnecessary clutter of our church life,

the piles of dead habits,

the cupboards full of prejudice,

the cobwebs of compromise

and the sad rotas of forgotten dreams.

Open our church to the free flow of your refreshing Spirit.

Give to this church a new vision and hope.

We want to belong to you again.

[In particular, Lord, we pray for ... a special local plan or project]

Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in the world.

Come, drive away despair from our politics;

revive our dreams of justice;

restore our passion for what is good, right and true.

Establish your just and gentle rule [in places like ...]

where peace has been powerless

and violent people have had their day.

Set a flame to the fuse of justice [in places like ...]

where arrogant people have defied the moral order year after year.

Guard well the new springtime of hope [in ...]

where peace has come like a gift,

wrapped in reconciliation and gladness.

[In particular, Lord, we long for this ... a particular world need]

Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer

Lord, prepare us for your coming - in our community.

In the problems of our locality

help us never to forget the supremacy of love.

May love motivate our care for this neighbourhood.

May love heal the social ills which drag us into despair.

May love inspire our citizenship to rise beyond mediocrity.

We name in our minds the problems locally of which we are aware

[particularly ... local issue]

and pray that love, gracious and practical, will find a way.

Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Lord prepare us for your coming - in those in need.

Give us eyes to search the face of the stranger

and there to see the face of the saviour.

Give us sensitivity to hear the doubt and hesitation,

and there, with that person, to share the confusion and futility.

There are those we know who are ill now,

struggling this morning to handle the pain.

Let us pray for them, for you come to us in them,

and you ask for our love.

We give that now, as we name them and love them, in our hearts.

What we have promised in love and prayer,

let us never forget to do.

Lord in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Advent Lord, come ever nearer.

Come to rejuvenate our faith.

Come to fortify our social conscience.

Come to open wide our eyes of wonder.

So that when the Saviour comes,

he may steal into our heart - and find them ready.

Even so come, Lord Jesus.

Benediction

Look forward in hope

to the coming of your Saviour,

prepare the way for Christ your Lord;

welcome him with love and faith

when he comes in glory.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among us and remain with us always.

From Celtic Daily Prayer, Prayers and Readings from the Northumbria Community, 2002, p. 233.

O Rising Sun,

You are the splendor of eternal light

And the sun of justice.

O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death's dark shadows put to flight:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

From The Lion Book of Christian Poetry, compiled by Mary Batchelor, (a Baptist Deacon), 2005, p. 206-207

At Christmas

Always

in the dark centre

of this season

the birth occurs

noiseless and marvelous

the seers

move on their journeys

there are gestures

of wonder, and at midnight

a resting star.

Always

it is amazing

that the mountains do not relinquish

their momentary grandeur,

bend to the stable,

let the ermine tremble

there

where the oxen

and the angels are.

            Jean Kenward (20^th century)

It is as if Infancy were the Whole of Incarnation

One time of the year

the new-born child

is everywhere,

planted in madonnas' arms

hay mows, stables,

in palaces or farms,

or quaintly, under snowed gables,

gothic angular or baroque plump,

naked or elaborately swathed,

encircled by Della Robbia wreaths,

garnished with whimsical

partridges and pears,

drummers and drums,

it by oversize stars,

partnered with lambs,

peace doves, sugar plums

bells, plastic camels in sets of three

as if these were what we need

for eternity.

But Jesus the Man is not to be seen.

we are too wary, these days,

of  beards and sandaled feet.

Yet if we celebrate, let it be

that he

has invaded our lives with purpose,

striding over our picturesque traditions,

our shallow sentiment,

overturning our cash registers,

wielding his peace like a sword,

rescuing us into reality,

demanding much more

than the milk and the softness

and the mother warmth

of the baby in the storefront crèche,

(only the Man would ask

all, of each of us)

reaching out

always, urgently, with strong

effective love

(only the Man would give

his life and live

again for love of us).

O come, let us adore him -

Christ - the Lord.

            Luci Shaw (20^th century)