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The surprising generosity of God
God’s generosity surprises us but how will we respond? (John 2:1-11)
Context
Hopes are high that a ceasefire might finally be signed in the Holy Land.
Some positive news on the UK economy was released.
The Princess of Wales surprised patients at the hospital where she was treated for cancer.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Jesus turns water intended for religious purification into wine which is then used for celebration and joy. In the Holy land, religious difference has been often used as an excuse for violence and aggression. People around the world have been crying out to God for peace and this week a major step looks possible for the first time in months. Sustained peace, however, will rely on hard work and perseverance on both sides. God’s grace is freely given but he always leaves room for humanity’s free will. So much is needed to rebuild Gaza and enable the injured and bereaved to recover. God’s abundance is ready and at hand but will people receive it?
Inflation and interest rates have had a huge impact on the wellbeing of so many households in the UK in recent years and the economy is always being discussed by politicians. The recent announcement that the UK economy grew by 0.1% in November will be greeted differently depending on the party a particular politician represents. The clear difference between these fine margins being argued over in government (along with conversations about whether pensions or other benefits should keep pace with inflation) contrast sharply with our gospel reading. Jesus doesn’t create enough wine to prevent embarrassment for the hosts - he creates wheelie-bin loads of the stuff. Everyone has enough and to spare and they are amazed at its quality. God’s economics are always different to ours. He gives abundantly and generously so that we grasp something more of his amazing power and love.
The Princess of Wales' visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated for cancer was an unexpected surprise for current patients there. The princess was clearly grateful for her own treatment and care and that she is now in remission from the cancer. Having been blessed in this way, it is absolutely right that she looks to encourage and bless others who are experiencing the same disease.
We pray for ourselves and others daily, but we can be slow to thank God and slower to share the blessings with others. How has God blessed us this week? How could we be passing that on to those we will meet?
Questions for discussion
- Does the church model the same generosity we see from Jesus in the story?
- Can you think of any examples of someone who has?
- Has God ever surprised you with a better answer to a prayer than you were expecting?
- In what ways have you passed on the generosity you have received from God?
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.
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I guess it’s a case of love it or hate it but Series 3 of The Traitors is well under way and the familiar format with new quirks and twists for 2025 has certainly “grabbed” many people.
They certainly seem to go all out with the production values. The Traitors' mansion is the height of luxury and the participants seem to want for nothing (apart from insight and common sense perhaps). Every room in the castle is sumptuous and seems to be provided with food and drink. And, despite their sadness (real or feigned) at the “murder” of one of their colleagues, the contestants seem to be making the most of the groaning board which provides their breakfast.
Reading the story of the wedding at Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine and provided plenty of the finest vintage the guests had ever tasted, is a reminder of the generosity of God whose love is shown by overflowing and abundant provision. Is the abundant provision at The Traitors' mansion similar to this? Well - yes and no.
The provision is certainly generous and one can have fun speculating on the conversation at the meeting that decided on the menus etc. There is a difference though - the makers of The Traitors are generous with the licence fee payers' money. God’s generosity is his own and totally his own.
However, the sumptuous provision in The Traitors' mansion is for all the contestants - the traitors and the faithful. No distinction is made. All are fed and watered. God’s generosity is also for all. The guests at the wedding at Cana were not asked how much they had already drunk nor were they required to show they were of good character. God’s unexpected abundance was available to all.
It's still the case today. Maybe not in vintage wine, but the unexpected abundance of God’s generous love is available to all - faithful or less than faithful.
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister from Lancashire where he strives to be a faithful.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 12 January 2025
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‘Water, water, everywhere.’
Think about the significance of the water in this week’s Gospel reading:
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
There’s been a lot of news about water this January. Firstly, the floods that followed a cold snap at the start of the year and threaten again with more cold weather on the way. Listening to and watching the coverage about why this is happening and what can be done it seems that despite flood defences, dredging and sand bags sometimes the water can’t be held back.
Then there are the incredible images of parts of Los Angeles on fire (BBC; Guardian). The LA fire department are heroically trying to battle the fire dropping tonnes of water on the blaze in an attempt to bring it under control, but the combination of dry ground and high winds is making this a very difficult task.
Finally, there’s an incredible story this week of a hiker who was lost for 13 days in New South Wales but managed to survive on a muesli bar, foraging for berries and, crucially, drinking water from creeks. It is a well-known fact that a human being can only survive around three days without liquid, so the water in the Australian mountain creeks gave the lost Hadi Nazari a chance of survival.
Water that can’t be held back, water fighting a dangerous fire and water for survival. In many ways the water in the story of Jesus’ baptism wraps all of this week’s water stories together:
As Jesus emerges from the River Jordan and his three years of ministry on the earth begin, a flood is released across humankind; an unstoppable wave of love and truth that will forever change all who come into contact with it.
We also know that Jesus’ message of love, grace and transformation is ultimately the only thing that defeats the fires that rage across this world. The fires of war, hate, misinformation, sadness, and all that afflicts us in this world – although overwhelming at times – can be put out by this life-giving water.
Lastly, in this Baptism story, the man who emerges from the water offers us more than just survival. He gives us fullness, completeness and everlasting joy.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Water prayers
You will need: star shapes cut out of paper (ordinary photocopying paper works fine), shallow trays or dishes of water placed around the worship area, spare pencils
- Give out the stars and invite people to write a prayer on each with a pencil.
- Once each prayer is written, fold over each point to the centre of the star. (If you are using a five-pointed star when folded it will look like a pentagon).
- Take the star to the trays of water and, in turn, place them upon the surface of the water. The stars will unfold to reveal the prayers.
- Pray for each other around the trays of water
Isaiah prayer
Use the words from Isaiah at the start of the passage in John. Invite people to use some of the images and turn them into a prayer for today. For example, you could pray for people who are currently living with crooked paths such as war-torn places, that they would see God’s salvation or for people caught in the dark valleys of poor mental health to feel lifted up.
‘…Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation.’
Ignatian questions
Invite people to read v21-22 and imagine themselves at the scene. Use the following Ignatian questions to think about the story:
- What emotions arose as you read this story? Invite God into those emotions.
- What might those emotions be revealing?
- Were there any images that stood out to you? What did you notice about those images?
- Was something new revealed in this story that you hadn’t noticed before? What might God be wanting to show you in this revelation?
Questions for discussion
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How does the image of water resonate in our spiritual lives?
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Do you feel overwhelmed by the fires that rage in this world or full of hope that the flood of God’s love will bring transformation to humankind, or somewhere in-between?! Talk about how you feel with your neighbour.
Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediatior.
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Water is a vital part of this morning’s story. At the moment of his baptism Jesus is introduced by John and then acknowledged by God as the Messiah. In my imagination the water is calm and clean, and the day is warm and sunny. Meeting God in these waters is an appealing concept.
Water has featured in our weather over the first few days of the New Year. First, we had torrential rain, then heavy snow. Where I live we had five inches! As this has melted it has flowed into already over-full waterways and onto saturated ground, resulting in devastating flooding. There are multiple active flood warnings across England as I write. This water is dirty and cold; meeting God here does not sound as appealing.
Yet we cannot always choose where God meets us. Sometimes it is in the warm, clean water of life, when things are going well. At other times God meets us in the cold and dirty water of life, when we are struggling.
Questions for discussion
- What sustains us during the difficult times?
- Does it feel different when God meets us in the good times?
- How can we be present for others when they are struggling with dirty flood water, both literally and figuratively?
You may have young people in your group whose homes have been flooded. This event is likely to have been traumatic. It might be advisable to have an extra person present in case this discussion raises difficult memories.
Victoria Etherington is children’s, youth and family’s ministry leader for the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 5 January 2025
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Promise fulfilled, light shining
God’s promises are fulfilled when the light of the Kingdom shines (John 1:10-18)
Context
Death of former US President and Sunday School Teacher Jimmy Carter.
Post Office campaigners honoured for services to justice.
Parents of women killed by ex-boyfriends receive honours.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
The New Year is traditionally a time for honours in the United Kingdom. This year over 1200 people have been honoured. Some names are familiar because they are famous for being involved in sport and entertainment. Others are less well-known but are honoured for important service none the less. Many gifted people use their gifts for the benefit of others and that benefit brings light into the community. They are doing God’s work and playing a part in fulfilling God’s promises.
The Horizon IT scandal had an appalling effect on the lives of hundreds of sub-postmasters and their families. It could easily have remained hidden were it not for those brave women and men who fought for justice and shone a light on what had happened.
God’s promises are fulfilled when justice is seen to be done.
Carole Gould and Julie Devey co-founded the group Killed Women after their daughters - were killed in their homes by men they had ended relationships with.
Another campaigner, Nick Gazzard, whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2014, was also recognised for his work around domestic violence and stalking. These campaigners are committed to continue to shine a light on domestic violence and ensure that there is more public awareness of the issue. God’s promises are fulfilled when people commit to continue ensuring the light of justice is shone.
The death of former US President Jimmy Carter has brought tributes from international statesmen past and present. Carter himself summed up his legacy as a commitment to peace. However historian Bill Leonard described Carter’s identity as inseparable from his vocation of over 70 years as a Sunday school teacher: “He has lived every week of his adult life in the study and teaching of the scriptures.” God’s promises were fulfilled through Carter in both a global and very personal way.
Questions for discussion
- Who would you give honours to and why?
- In what ways have you seen God’s promises fulfilled?
- In a world of darkness how is the light of Christ shining?
Revd Stuart Wild is a methodist minister serving on the Lancashire coast.
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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it!” John 1:5
What a powerful verse for any time of year, but most certainly so uplifting to read on such a dark January. Usually at this time of year our Christmas decorations and lights are going back away, the once beautifully lit-up streets turn back to regular rows of houses and shops, and the cheer which fills the air in December shrinks away.
But this week it has felt even more dark and damp then ever with huge amounts of fog covering the UK, disrupting many festive travel plans, and now the threat of storms and high winds cancelling New Year’s eve’s celebrations.
Admittedly when we look out into the seemingly dark and gloomy world of January it can feel like the darkness has over come the light; cancelled plans, cancelled celebrations, cancelled light displays! But these things are not the true light which we have been promised. Does it highlight more greatly to you that the only promise we can then actually trust in is the promise of Jesus’ light? We may have promised to visit family over this week but the weather got in the way. Big bands such as Texas were promised to be performing on New Year’s ever, but the weather meant it has been cancelled. Ultimately we cannot fully trust the promises we make to others and them to us, as we’re not in control.
This week, please don’t feel disheartened if your promised plans have been broken - this isn’t the darkness winning. But it can show us how our trust should be put in the light and promise of the coming of Jesus Christ, the only promise that we know will stay real.
Throughout this week and indeed this new year, pray that you see how wondrous Jesus is, even when the world isn’t.
Natasia Bullock is Company Director of The B Tales Theatre Company
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 29 December 2024
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Our hope in children
Children must be empowered and given space to amaze us (Luke 2.47)
Context
Christmastide is nothing if not a rollercoaster. Within just four days, the Church’s calendar throws us from the joy of Jesus’ birth into the barbaric stoning of St Stephen, then through the light of St John the Evangelist into the atrocity inflicted on the Holy Innocents and their families. And then this Sunday, we are suddenly pitched 12 years on, into the remarkable events of a visit to the Temple by Jesus, whose birth and boyhood parallel so much of Samuel’s early life.
Our lectionary offers no better time than Christmastide to reflect on the three strands of celebration, suffering and childhood – our own and others’ – which are woven together into our common human experience.
Last Friday 27 December, on the eve of Holy Innocents Day, UNICEF published a report entitled Children Under Attack, which opens with these words: “By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children living in conflict zones in UNICEF’s history. More than one in six children globally now live in areas affected by conflict, forced to face unthinkable violations.”
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
It's an inescapable fact that while we celebrate, others suffer; and while we suffer, others celebrate. Reduced to its starkest elements, the theme is best expressed in the oft-quoted mediaeval Gregorian chant traditionally intoned on New Year’s Eve, Media vita in morte sumus, “In the midst of life we are in death.” There is no human celebration that is not tinged with wistfulness for what might have been, regret for past failures or sorrow for the absence of loved ones. How often, for instance, have we heard someone say, “Oh, Mum would have loved this!” or, “I wish Grandad could have been here!” or “Your sister would have been so proud of you!”?
When these sorts of thoughts come to mind, we are often recalled to the present moment by some antic on the part of a child. Whether the child does something unexpected – and often unintended – to make us laugh, or has a minor catastrophe, or simply utters a new word for the first time, we are immediately brought out of our wistfulness, regret or sorrow by a spontaneous laugh or gasp, or the need to rush to the rescue. The delight of a child can fill us with affection. The grief of a child can make us long to offer comfort. The achievement of a child can inspire us with admiration. The words of a child can make us see something in a new way.
In the Bible, it is the children, Jesus and Samuel, who teach the priests and scholars, and not the other way round. Jesus himself tells his followers, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). This is something we should always be open to, for it is they, and not we, who will face the challenge of building a better world than the one we pass on to them.
In his remarkable 1974 novel Shardik, author Richard Adams writes: “The teaching… is simply that there isn't to be a deserted or unhappy child in the world. In the end, that's the world's only security: children are the future, you see. If there were no unhappy children, then the future would be secure.”
Questions for discussion
- When did you last learn something from a child? What was it?
- What does the Church need to learn from children?
- What did Jesus mean when he said we must become like little children?
- How can we empower children and give them space to teach us?
Robert Beard is an NHS worker and Church of England priest.
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Reaching potential
Ben Whitehead is an actor. As a Wallace and Gromit fan, he grew up doing voices, accents and impressions and, when a friend in Bristol, who was working with the producers of the Wallace and Gromit, Curse of the Were-Rabbit film, needed some actors to voice the characters, Whitehead jumped at the chance. Then, following the death of Peter Sallis in 2017, Whitehead was offered the opportunity to voice Wallace in the full-length feature film which was shown on Christmas Day: Vengeance Most Fowl.
In the film Gromit is concerned that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions, especially when Wallace invents a "smart" gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. It becomes clear that a vengeful figure from the past is masterminding things and so it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master. Otherwise, Wallace may never be able to invent again!
In the temple Jesus engaged with the Jewish scholars and leaders. Through questions and answers he grew and began to reach his potential and to enable them to do the same. This was what God wanted. This was how he was enabled to fulfil his mission in adulthood. He took the opportunity when it presented itself. In the same way Ben Whitehead snatched the opportunity to be in the Were-Rabbit film.
Wallace was at risk of losing his potential. After all, what is the potential of an inventor if it is not to invent. In order to achieve this he needed the help and support of Gromit. In the same way Ben Whitehead needed the help of his friend, and Jesus and the Jewish teachers needed one another.
So, as we face the New Year, let us look for opportunities and, helped and supported by friends, let us seize them.
Of course prayer will help too.
Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister in Lancashire. He is also fond of Wensleydale cheese.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via Twitter/X, facebook and Instagram.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 22 December 2024
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Peace begins in me
God’s peace cannot be forced upon us; we must embrace it with our entire being. (Luke 1:47)
Context
Listen to the Center for Action and Contemplation podcasts to learn about transformative practices which make for peace.
Want to join a movement of peace-building?
It’s a sad commentary that an Internet search for “inner peace” leads almost anywhere except to Christian web sites!
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Micah speaks of peace being brought by the future Messiah, and Luke’s Gospel has Mary offering praise for what God has done—with an implied peace for Israel. Without careful reading, these passages can lead us towards a passivity/complacency that “peace” comes to us from without. However, closer examination of Mary’s and Micah’s words makes clear that, had they not been internally convinced and moved by God’s approach to them, we would never have received their words.
As the lectionary offers meagre substance regarding “peace, actually”, I want to suggest a look at Romans 12:2 wherein the Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The renewing of the mind of which Paul speaks is metanoia in Greek. Metanoia bespeaks a fundamental change in our point of view — of how we see the world and the people in it. In this world, peace is considered to be the absence of conflict; but this is not the discernment given by God. Until God’s peace reigns within each and every one of us, there will not be a peaceable kingdom anywhere on this earth. Peace really does begin in us.
Questions for discussion
When have you felt most at peace — with(in) yourself, with God, with others? What preceded that sense of peace? How can you cultivate a peaceful life?
My wife and I were recently wronged by someone who chose to tell lies about us to many of our friends. We decided to leave it with God and neither seek redress nor revenge …but in my mind there still proliferated myriad ways to seek revenge! Have you been in such a situation? How did you feel? How hard was it to follow the path of peace as opposed to self-justification or revenge? Why does turning the other cheek feel like lifting 500 kilos?
Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a free-lance writer and novelist. For more information visit: www.jacknlawson.com; https://jacknlawson.com/blog; https://wingsepress.com/pages/lawson-jack-n
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School is breaking up and shops are full of tinsel and ‘Santa stop here’ signs. The news is full of stories about inflation (going up) and winter fuel benefits (which have been stopped) making peace feel a long way away for many people. Christmas is a great time for families coming together but that also makes it a great time for arguments as the stress of getting things done hits the multiplier of people’s expectations.
Mary’s situation was full of potential stress - how would Joseph react? What would her parents do? What was everyone in the neighbourhood going to say? Her response was to find someone she trusted and to visit them - finding some space and peace to process what was happening.
Sometimes we are in Mary’s position, dealing with changes that weren’t of our choosing and looking for some time and space to think things through. Sometimes we can be an Elizabeth, seeing someone looking to us for encouragement and hope.
Whichever of these resonates for you, it’s worth thinking about how and when you can access God’s peace - and who you can look to for encouragement in the hectic days of Christmas. Look at what is under your control, what you can change, and then let as much of the rest go past without needing to react to it. As Mary did, recognise that God is in control and trust that he is with you in everything that you and your friends are facing.
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 15 December 2024
Sermon ideas on Zephaniah 3.14-20 for adults and young people - Intergenerational sermon and discussion ideas based on this week's news including: Syrian uprising; fall of Assad; Syrian prisoner release; World Cup Saudi 2034; Home-comings; What is home?; Being at home with God
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Coming home
Where is home? Think about what this means and how with God we are always at home.
Context
It feels like the theme ‘coming home’ unites a few disparate news stories this week. from the serious to the not so serious. The main, and most consequential story, is of course the dramatic change in power in Syria and fall of Bashir al Assad. The images of prisoners being released and allowed to return home to their families after years of incarceration were both shocking and moving.
We’ve also witnessed thousands of exiles crossing the Syrian border to return to their homeland, return to the families they left behind and return to lives interrupted by the regime.
It’s a fast-moving story full of complex homecomings.
In the world of UK politics issues around immigration rumble on, the subject this week dominating PMQs. Whichever side of the debate we find ourselves on, at the heart of the matter is the problematic issue of ‘home’. Where is it? Can you find a new one? Who and who cannot call this country home?
Finally, in the world of sport, the English anthem of ‘it’s coming home’ has been quietly playing in the background as the thorny issue of the World Cup being hosted by Saudi Arabia exercises the world of punditry. Will the English team be bringing it home from the middle east in 2034?
Despite the very different weight of the stories and issues in this week's news, the idea of home resonates. Going home; being at home; and bringing something back home are powerful ideas that speak to people across the globe.
Zephaniah’s words in chapter 3 speak passionately about home. It describes being brought home and the outpouring of rejoicing that takes place when this happens. Reading Zephaniah in today’s world, with today’s wars and violence is complex but the sentiments around a homecoming embedded into the text give us all pause for thought. Where is home for us? What does it mean?
A couple 2000 years ago had to change their home when they were instructed to return to their place of birth for a census. They had to temporarily set up home in a stable ready for the birth of their son. An unsatisfactory home in many ways. But despite the external issues this new home was filled with love and light, that extended well beyond their home to all of us. So, wherever we are, at home or not, we can rest in the home of God’s love and hope.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- Give everyone a piece of paper and pencil and invite them to draw a picture called ‘home’. Stress that the quality of the art is unimportant. More important is the image that comes to mind when someone says ‘home’. Once people have had some sketching time, ask people to show their drawing to someone sitting nearby and explain what it represents and why they chose this for their drawing.
- Put up an image of the stable in the Christmas story. Invite people to spend a minute reflecting on this ‘home’.
Pray
Thank you for the stable home that brought love and hope to all of us wherever we are.
May we find our way home this Christmas.
Not just to the house or flat we live in,
Not to our favourite holiday place,
Not even to our country of birth,
But to our home in Christ,
To live in love and hope wherever we are, at all times.
Amen
Questions for discussion
Fiona is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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Joyful news
“Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king!”
- How festive are you feeling?
- Is your tree finally up?
- Are you busy Christmas shopping and now over halfway through your advent calendar?
- How do the festive activities make us feel? Joyful? Excited? Overwhelmed? Sometimes the events leading up to Christmas Day can leave us more exhausted than joyous!
Our passage this week seeks to bring a deep joy in the Lord and the joy of a better future - of what is yet to come: I will restore you in those future days.’
How do we then, having already received Jesus and the joyful news which is prophesied about here, seek to find joy? How do we make the promise of a joyful future a joyful present?
I did some searching for joy and came across this uplifting newspaper – The Happy News - which celebrates moments of joy. Have a look for yourself and celebrate the joyful news of others by praising God for each article and story.
But of course real joy isn’t a good news story. It’s a deep-rooted joy, a joy that can only come from God. And this joy isn’t just for the good times and the festivities - it's for all year round and throughout all that life brings. I’m often struck by the lyric from Cody Carnes Firm Foundation: I’ve still got joy in chaos.
So this week as the Christmas planning and traditions perhaps are a struggle, or appear to be turning into chaos, let our hearts be filled with deep joy, true joy of the Lord, and all that is still yet to come.
Natasia Bullock, Company Director, The B Tales
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via Twitter/X, facebook and Instagram.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 8 December 2024
Sermon ideas on Luke 1.68-79 (Benedictus) for adults and young people - Intergenerational sermon and discussion ideas based on this week's news including: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire; Strictly come dancing shock Dance-Off results; Conclave film release; God's unexpected workings; finding peace in Advent
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Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
God in the silence
Seeing the outcome of God’s silent activity in Luke 1:76-79.
Context
The ceasefire in Lebanon continues.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete and Jowita avoid the dance off despite being bottom of the leaderboard.
Conclave, the film of Robert Harris’ book about the election of a new Pope is released.
Ideas for sermons and interactive talks
In the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) we hear the voice of Zechariah, a voice that had been silenced as a result of his reaction to the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. In his silence God has been at work and the initial outcome is the birth of John. Zechariah here prophesies of the nature and work that John will accomplish. We are not told how John will be prepared for this vocation but Zechariah’s words are clear and are fulfilled. The ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to come out of the blue but it is similarly evidence of God working silently through diplomats to achieve a peace - however temporary.
Pete and Jowita came bottom of the leaderboard in last week’s Strictly Come Dancing. The judges gave them low marks but they were saved by the public. The general reaction to the announcement that they were not in the Dance Off was a surprise. Pete and Jowita responded with amazement and joy. Zechariah’s reaction to the birth of John and his vision of John’s mission was to praise God. There are times when the silent unexpected workings of God take us by surprise. The wise will see God at work here and respond accordingly.
Conclave is a mystery thriller where, following the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals gathers for a papal conclave to choose the new pope. It is a story filled with twists and turns and attempts at power-politics in which the leading character, Cardinal Lawrence played by Ralph Fiennes, seeks to see the action of God and rediscover his own faith.
The way God works is not always obvious as it is happening. Sometimes it is only by looking back that we see the real purposes of God’s activity. At the time Zechariah’s statements in Luke 1 were brave and audacious and we are not told how they were received. However, with the benefit of our knowledge of both John’s and Jesus’ missions, we see the inherent truth in what Zechariah said.
Questions for discussion
- Have you ever been surprised by God’s answer to prayer?
- What has happened recently that you think God should be praised for?
- Can you suggest ways to help someone whose faith is wavering?
- What does it mean today to say that 'the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ ?
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist Minister serving God on the Lancashire coast.
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What does the word ‘Peace’ mean to you? I invite you to close your eyes for a moment and think about how peace makes you feel. What does it look like? When have you experienced peace? Is there anything that gets in the way of feeling that peace?
It can be hard to believe that God has a loving plan when the world around us seems to be filled with such little peace. Finding love amongst it all is difficult to say the least. Life has thrown me a few curve balls this year, so I can only speak from experience here when I say that practising trust during these times helps to find that peace. Isaac Newton is quoted as viewing himself as a boy playing on the seashore occasionally finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than usual, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before him. This brings one of Corrie Ten Boom’s quotes to me. She once said "We should never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.".
"The great ocean of truth and life lies undiscovered before us." How wonderful is that? I would encourage you to find peace in the pebbles you find as you journey through Advent. Let us use them as a reminder of God’s loving plan that lies unknown before us.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.lwcreative.co.uk
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