Category: Sermon

Luke quickly introduces Simeon and then Anna. He introduces song and passion and expectancy. Now we get to look forward to the future.

In our Gospel reading from John today, we have another question that could just as easily have been included: ‘What are you looking for?’

That seems like a good New Year’s resolution for each one of us. To carry those words with us each and every day, like the people of old.

And the centre of this faith thing is that the God thing did actually come down and become human. He consecrated and endorsed our humanity.

Isaiah spoke a word of hope and joy that was out of place with the rest of the narrative. A word that wouldn’t wait until things improved.

God asks us not to count the rings of the dead wood of the past – but to look for small signs of growth, the green seedlings of the future.

We’re in Advent – and each Sunday has a reading from Isaiah. Isaiah is a visual prophet. He thinks in pictures. He uses his imagination.

For that that kingdom to be more visible, Christ has to be seen to be believed – and how he is seen is down to you and down to me

Remembrance Sunday – We remember Des Aspin, who had that undefinable something that caused him to stand out and above all those around him.

In this Kingdom season, as we reflect on the Kingdom of God – its freedom, its creativity, its joy and its unity, we re-commit ourselves…

Today is Bible Sunday. It’s the day on which we give thanks for the writings of Scripture and the enlightenment which they can bring. 

Jacob is one of the Bible’s anti-heroes. There aren’t too many redeeming features on display. Not many laudable characteristics to emulate.

Naaman goes down to the river – and his flesh is restored like the flesh of a young boy. It’s not just the leprosy that goes. He’s made new.

At some stage, God’s plans will intersect with our own sense of being and purpose. We need to listen and hear and respond. To say: “send me”.

There will be more tail wagging in heaven over one sinner that repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance!