Advent, Moving From Darkness to Light

This Sunday marks the beginning of the season of Advent, in our preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus. The word 'Adventus,' in Latin, means a coming. Our faith is all about Christ and therefore we begin with His birth, His entrance into the world.

In many ways Advent is a time for renewal or a new beginning. We begin a new liturgical year, and begin once again, our never-ending quest to find our Lord Jesus Christ within our hearts.

Advent is also a time of watchfulness and waiting. We watch and wait for Him to come, that we might pass from our life of darkness into the life of light. The symbol of light is reflective of this Advent and Christmas season. This concept of light, being strongly associated with this time of the year, is not a Christian invention.
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The choice to celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th was made as early as the year 273. This was the date for the pagan (Roman) celebration of "natalis solis invicti," the birth of the unconquered sun. The celebration of Christmas on the same date "Christianised" the ancient Roman feast of light.

During the darkest days of the year, where the days are short and cold, we long for the warmth of Spring, where life renews and once again becomes vibrant.

Advent is also a time for self-examination and asking for forgiveness, as we prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, even as we prepare for Christmas. This is why the colour of the season is purple, (or sometimes blue), which is used for marking Lent, the season of self-examination preceding Easter.

The third week in Advent is set aside as more celebratory than the others. Rose is the colour of this week rather than purple, to mark the week, which is why a rose candle is used in Advent wreaths.

Advent, then, is a time of beginning, a time of watching, a time of light. It is a time for the decorations to begin. The lights of our Christmas trees, cribs, and other decorations sign The Coming, the birth of Christ, the Light of the Father, the Light of the World. He comes to light our path, the path to peace and justice, love and happiness.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, tells us "the night is advanced, the days are at hand. Let us throw off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light."

Yes, He is coming indeed!

Preparing For Christmas

The Pain of Disappointment

A Lesson In Forgiving

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When Are U-Turns Right?

One of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s most memorable quotes is ‘You turn. The Lady’s not for turning!’ It was comments such as this that earned her the moniker ‘Iron Lady.’

Some may vacillate, hem and haw, or be wishy-washy about their views. But Good ole Margaret ruled her opinions and views with an iron fist and fierce determination. Once she formed an opinion, she was never to revisit it.

Admirable qualities, one might say. Indeed. However, what happens when an individual or group takes such a stance and later learns they were mistaken? We read in the news where technology has now proven that people who were convicted for committing crimes are now being exonerated. Unfortunately, what if their punishment was death? What do we do in those instances? Shrug our shoulders and say ‘ doesn’t matter, I’m not changing my mind?’

Unfortunately, human nature – that determination to be part of the ‘winning team’ encourages us to perceive people who change their minds as weak or as failures. And in some arenas there are those, who despite the evidence, continue to promote their own dogma, regardless of its inaccuracies and the toll it can take on others. It happens each and every Sunday when ministers misinterpret passages from the Bible, or use those passages, however inappropriately, to justify their points.

Whatever way you look at it, repentance, or making a moral or spiritual U-turn, isn't necessarily a sign of weakness. Indeed, in the right circumstances it can be a sign of true strength. Isn’t that the point of democracy versus, say, a dictatorship?

Just as with millions of others, I watched the debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. They each had an agenda which prohibited the world from really seeing who they are. Nor, in my opinion, did they really do anything to help their presidential candidates.

All too often we expect our leaders to be godlike in their ability to know everything. Yet in most religions, doubt, discovery, and growth are parts of the very nature of being divine.

Take, for example, the humble pie that Jesus had to eat when a woman proved Him short sighted and limited in His vision of His ministry. The story is told in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark and involves a very persistent woman, who was not Jewish, but a Gentile.

She comes begging Jesus to heal her daughter, and receives the rather callous - and in fact, one could argue, narrow-minded - statement that He has come only for the people of Israel. Thus He tries to dismiss this woman.

But she is made of stern stuff and implores Him again asking Him to help her daughter. Jesus compounds His uncompromising stance on a matter of principle - which is probably how today's media would report it - and says even more brusquely, that it is unfair to take the food of the children (meaning the Jews) and throw it to the dogs (meaning the Gentiles)!

Now comes the moment of revelation. Jesus is once again confronted by the woman who says, ‘Ah yes, Lord, but even the dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall from their master's table.’

This is the point at which, were this being reported in some of our more aggressive newspapers, we would have the headline ‘Messiah does a U-Turn’ or ‘Jesus forced to compromise.’ Because Jesus, clearly humbled by this, is suddenly presented with a far bigger picture of what He is here to do. His limited vision is expanded to encompass all people and He heals her daughter. In other words He changes His mind and grows.

Perhaps this message has been too simplistic for us to pick up on it time after time. Perhaps the Apostles are trying to tell us that uncertainty and growth are completely acceptable and part of our own spiritual growth. Perhaps, through these words, they are encouraging us to grow and not become transfixed in our own interpretation of the Bible and the world around us.

If making U-turns, uncertainty, compromise, expanding one’s vision, and changing attitudes is good enough for Christ, then perhaps it ought to be good enough for the rest of us. Instead of seeing a change of mind as a weakness, perhaps we can see it as being just a little bit divine and more Christ-like instead.

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The Pain of Disappointment

When Traditions Become Weights

Can You Change a Child's Life?

The Road to Redemption

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You're Not 'In' Without The Right Toys!

When I was a small child one of my favourite pastimes was to peruse a myriad of catalogues featuring model aeroplanes. I would dream of owning a model of the different airlines my father and I would travel on. And I spent countless hours imagining ways to earn money so I could purchase additions to my collection.

All these years later the models are a distant past. But at the time, it was just a child’s enjoyment of those simple fantasies, in a mind that had yet to be laboured with all the complexities of an adult life.

Our human condition is to still have those dreams and fantasies of acquiring things, albeit now on a much grander scale. But for some, the purpose has taken on a new meaning. No longer are they simple thoughts and dreams, but now they become the precursor to happiness or contentment.

Young people often seem driven by the latest gadget or fashion accessory. Men long for the fastest cars and many women feel they are of a lesser society unless they’re sporting the ubiquitous designer handbag.

Some people may never outgrow this pattern of thinking and living, and years of their lives become lost over their inability to appreciate life’s more simple pleasures. They become embittered and angry when they see others who have things they do not have. And some become obsessed trying to ensure they have the full regalia, whether it throws them hopelessly into debt or not.

The secret to happiness is found by investing your heart in others and from the joy you’ll receive from watching them grow. It’s what Jesus did his entire life; and even in the saddest of times He was a man who knew joy throughout His life.

If you want to find your own happiness, for a change try investing in others.


Then Jesus said to His host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ Luke 14:12-14

Posted for Fr Bill

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Words of Comfort for the Dying

The Pain of Disappointment

The Book in the Attic

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The Pain of Disappointment

To feel that we have been let down by our family or close friends is a very bitter experience. The hurt and the anger can be so strong that we are left scarred and broken. Of course we can be the guilty party and cause great pain when we let other people down.

When Jesus chose the twelve disciples to be His close companions, during the three years of His public ministry, who would have thought that in His hour of need one turned out to be a traitor, one denied that he ever knew Him and the others deserted Him and ran away. In Pilate’s judgement hall, He stood isolated and alone and when they led Him away to crucify Him, He was left to carry His cross with not a single companion in sight.

It’s easy to understand something of what Jesus was going through. Betrayal, denial and desertion are bitter experiences and can often leave a permanent imprint on our hearts and minds. The cross was like a shadow across Jesus' life from the very beginning and grew darker and more threatening as time passed.

Gracious God, may we be willing to love each other as unconditionally as You love us, for such love forgives the wrongs of others. In love, help us forgive without harbouring anger, resentment, or disappointment. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' (Matthew 16:24)

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Forgiving Violence

A Lesson in Forgiving

Words of Comfort For the Dying

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The Disappointment of a Child

When are U-Turns Right?

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Things To Do

Our lives are filled with tasks. There are tasks associated with work, home, and in our relationships.

The most important of these is the task of reconciliation. Reconciliation within our own hearts, with one another, and with God.

Now is the time, as the Old Testament prophet Malachi says, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers...’ God is calling us to do more than merely stay out of trouble or avoid aggravating one another. He’s calling us to be pro-active, to become peace-makers, and makers of peace.

For each of us the task will take a different shape, defined by our gifts, our own life histories, our relationships, and where we live. But none of us is exempt from the work of peacemaking.

Now is the time to take an inventory within our hearts and without. Discover what is cutting off one from another and stealing away the proper joy of life, and find a way to put it to rest.

So now, what are we waiting for?

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Gracious God, through all our frailties we lose our clarity and we can lose our closeness to You. Help us to cleanse our hearts and grant us the courage to take the steps towards reconciling our lives. Through each step we take to cleanse our hearts, we will be drawn closer to You. We pray for Your guidance and comfort, through Christ’s name. Amen

The Pain of Disappointment

When Morning Dawns

When We Need a Little Help

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The Sweet Taste Of Forgiveness

Luke's Gospel explores our human need for healing; it offers us a story, which focuses on the pain of broken relationships and the search for reconciliation.

The younger son has come to see himself for what he is, and he knows he doesn't deserve to have his apology accepted - but no matter; he'll still go home, and apologise for all the wrongs he has committed. That's a real surprise.

But an even bigger surprise is the way his father reacts - running down the road to meet him, forgetting his dignity and how badly his son has hurt him, in his overwhelming joy at being reunited.

No matter that he's the injured party, no matter that the money the boy has squandered can never be recovered; none of that matters, only a heart-warming reconciliation to be celebrated.

Seeking and offering forgiveness is never a calculated risk with pros and cons to be weighed - it's the kind of risk that we take when we hold nothing back, and in its place receive far more than we could ever dream.

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Gracious Father, we pray for all who carry the pain and disappointment of rejection. Enfold us in your love and mercy, heal the painful memories, and give us courage and humility to trust ourselves to one another and to You. Amen.

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While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe - the best one - and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'
Luke 15:20-24

Spots Or Wrinkles

Spots Spots Spots! My teenage daughter sees things I cannot see. She’s certain that the moment one spot goes away there’s another lurking somewhere deep from within, ready to leap out. But I tell her truthfully; I can’t see any on her beautiful complexion.

‘Oh Daddy!’ she’ll sigh. And on it goes; typical of a self-conscious teenager.
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It’s no different for adults. There’s a bevy of things for us to worry about. For example, watch the news for ten minutes. Or closer to home, take a look in the mirror: It's either pimples or wrinkles! You finally get rid of the one and then it’s time for the other to start showing up and unfortunately wrinkles don't go away, they just invite all their friends!
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Trials and tribulations, irritations, and aggravations: That's life, but only one side of it. Because hidden inside every trouble and every aggravation is an opportunity just waiting to be noticed and taken hold of.
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They’re an invitation from God to let go of what doesn't matter or doesn't work, and to search for what does matter and what can bring us joy and freedom. It’s His invitation to focus on straightening out what's behind the face, what's inside the head and deep within your heart.
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Sometimes there are pains or frustrations that must be lived with; we can't make them go away. What's the opportunity there? Perhaps it's an invitation to relax in the Lord; to give ourselves over to Him at long last. Perhaps it's an invitation to let go of our obsessive perfectionism or our excessive need to control and focus on what really matters.
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Each of us has our own special collection of stresses and hurts, and we know them well. But have we looked behind them? Have we searched in faith for the invitation God has wrapped inside them?
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If we haven't, we're wasting a lot of time on pain and disappointment. That isn't what God wants for us. He is offering us joy and freedom for the taking, here and now. Look a little deeper and you'll find it, wrapped discretely inside your troubles.
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If you look, you'll find it. I promise you it's there!.

Loving Father, it’s so easy to become laboured with life’s wrinkles. Teach us to accept what we cannot change. Grant us the wisdom to see beyond ourselves, that we may reach out to others and bring Your world closer. Amen
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Thank You Sarah!

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The Book in the Attic

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First Forgive

‘If someone takes your coat,’ says Jesus, ‘give him your shirt as well.’ Surely that sounds like pacifism. But hold on a sec!

Jesus' contemporaries wore no undergarments. If they gave their oppressor their shirt, they'd be left there naked! And that was Jesus' point: Embarrass the thief into rethinking his theft, which was leaving his victim stark naked.

’When someone strikes you on the cheek,’ says Jesus, ‘turn the other cheek.’ To strike that other cheek requires either changing hands or striking in a contorted manner. Once again, it creates a delay during which the malefactor has a chance to rethink what he's doing.

Our first goal should always be to convert the wrongdoer. Sometimes it will work, and sometimes it won't. And when it doesn't, the right of a legitimate self-defence is there. Jesus' point is simple: You may have to end up using force to defend your rights. But don't start with force.

Start with a sincere attempt to convert your adversary. It won't always work. But sometimes it will. And it would be a shame to miss that ‘sometime.’

Lord God, Grant us patience before we become quick to judge. Help us to learn the art of listening and not discounting others. And when we are hurt, Lord, help us to find charity within our hearts to first forgive, then to mend. It is the peace in our hearts that transcends all. Amen

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

When Violence Touches Your Own

The Pain of Disappointment

At the Time of a Child's Death

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