Services and Resources
96
Services and Resources
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Services and Resources
Dear Friends,
On Sunday morning our service for the fourth Sunday of Advent, which I lead, will go out at the normal time of 9.45. On Sunday evening at 6pm we'll send out a Carol Service led by various members of the Church House Team. I lead a Midnight Communion Service on Christmas Eve and the Revd Alex Clare Young leads a Christmas Day service. Worship for 29th December is led by the Revd Phil Nevard.
Worship Notes for these services, and January's, have been out for some time and I'm pleased to say that the February Worship Notes are now loaded up too. You can find these here.
Whether you are working or resting, spending time with love ones or quietly by yourself, I hope Christmas is restful and joyful for you all.
With every good wish
Andy
The Rev'd Andy Braunston
Minister for Digital Worship
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Dear Friends,
On Sunday morning our service for the fourth Sunday of Advent, which I lead, will go out at the normal time of 9.45. On Sunday evening at 6pm we'll send out a Carol Service led by various members of the Church House Team. I lead a Midnight Communion Service on Christmas Eve and the Revd Alex Clare Young leads a Christmas Day service. Worship for 29th December is led by the Revd Phil Nevard.
Worship Notes for these services, and January's, have been out for some time and I'm pleased to say that the February Worship Notes are now loaded up too. You can find these here.
Whether you are working or resting, spending time with love ones or quietly by yourself, I hope Christmas is restful and joyful for you all.
With every good wish
Andy
The Rev'd Andy Braunston
Minister for Digital Worship
-->
Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 18 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 18 December 2024
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Wednesday 18 December 2024
St Luke 6: 27 - 36
Jesus said: ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Reflection
“Love your enemies.” If we look back over recent history, or over all of history we don’t see leaders following this. Imagine how different the world would be if people loved their enemies, there would be no wars and no threats of war and no need for armies and nuclear weapons.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you” reminds me of a time when I was working in a drop-in centre for homeless, drug users and prostitutes. One day a person asked for money, the centre did not have funds for this. Another person said that he had a few copies of The Big Issue, and he would go to his pitch, sell them and give the money to the person in need. What a great example of doing to someone what you wanted done to you, someone with virtually nothing giving everything he had to someone else.
We need to follow the commands in this passage, it is not easy to love everyone. Do we love the neighbour who keeps us awake at night with loud music? Do we love the driver who cuts out in front of us and nearly causes an accident? Do we love the person in church who has that annoying habit? We know that the answer to all of these questions should be “Yes, I love them” but we often fail. We need to keep going back to God asking for forgiveness and for strength from The Holy Spirit to enable us to love our enemies as well as our friends.
If we care for our enemies, if we help those in need, if we care for others we are doing what God wants us to do. God showed love by sending Jesus to live amongst us and to give up His life for us.
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for all that you have given to me.
Thank you for Jesus.
Help me to care for others as you care for me.
I pray for Foodbanks and all other schemes that are trying so hard to help others with no thought of reward.
Show me who needs my help and give me the strength and resolve to offer that help
In Jesus name
Amen.
--> Today's writer John Collings, Lay Preacher, Rutherglen URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 6: 27 - 36
Jesus said: ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Reflection
“Love your enemies.” If we look back over recent history, or over all of history we don’t see leaders following this. Imagine how different the world would be if people loved their enemies, there would be no wars and no threats of war and no need for armies and nuclear weapons.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you” reminds me of a time when I was working in a drop-in centre for homeless, drug users and prostitutes. One day a person asked for money, the centre did not have funds for this. Another person said that he had a few copies of The Big Issue, and he would go to his pitch, sell them and give the money to the person in need. What a great example of doing to someone what you wanted done to you, someone with virtually nothing giving everything he had to someone else.
We need to follow the commands in this passage, it is not easy to love everyone. Do we love the neighbour who keeps us awake at night with loud music? Do we love the driver who cuts out in front of us and nearly causes an accident? Do we love the person in church who has that annoying habit? We know that the answer to all of these questions should be “Yes, I love them” but we often fail. We need to keep going back to God asking for forgiveness and for strength from The Holy Spirit to enable us to love our enemies as well as our friends.
If we care for our enemies, if we help those in need, if we care for others we are doing what God wants us to do. God showed love by sending Jesus to live amongst us and to give up His life for us.
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for all that you have given to me.
Thank you for Jesus.
Help me to care for others as you care for me.
I pray for Foodbanks and all other schemes that are trying so hard to help others with no thought of reward.
Show me who needs my help and give me the strength and resolve to offer that help
In Jesus name
Amen.
--> Today's writer John Collings, Lay Preacher, Rutherglen URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 17 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Tuesday 17 December 2024
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Tuesday 17 December 2024
St Luke 6: 20 - 26
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
Reflection
We are so used to these sayings of Jesus that we do not realise how radical this message is. God in Jesus here is blessing those who are considered as worthless in society and warning those who have the most now that the blessings they enjoy may not mean that they are God’s favoured ones.
The woes follow. They feel like they are aimed at me. I am relatively rich, I am well fed and I am happy now. What does God require of me?
I might spiritualise these words, thinking I am hungry for justice for all, I give to charity, I do know what sorrow is from experience. But I am challenged.
Jesus is clear – following his way, we must be prepared for opposition and the more we get, the more we are doing as Jesus did.
Many of our churches are putting themselves at the service of the hungry and the poor. Are we also speaking up for them? Are we experiencing disrespect and opposition in our championing of those whose voices have been silenced by the powerful. Are we compromising the message of Jesus by trying to conform to the norms of our consumerist society?
God is always on the side of the disadvantaged and against those who hold on to what they have and do not follow God in love for the poor, the hungry and the despairing. The prophets were often on the wrong side of the powerful because they spoke up for God and against those who should have been following the Law but were not.
We have good news for the poor to proclaim so we should not be surprised if we are not universally popular especially when we speak up for the marginalised in our society. Let’s rejoice when we are criticised and sidelined and be encouraged to speak up even more because we can be sure that we are following in Jesus’ way when we do so.
Prayer
Lord, you challenge us to be as radical as Jesus.
Help us to love as you do,
Speak as you do,
Follow you into conflict and persecution.
Give us the courage to stand with you
Against evil in all its forms,
Being not only your hands but your voice;
Speaking truth to power
And hope to those in need;
One with your Spirit
Taking up our cross as Jesus did
Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Helen Everard, Minister, Fleet URC, Hampshire Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 6: 20 - 26
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
Reflection
We are so used to these sayings of Jesus that we do not realise how radical this message is. God in Jesus here is blessing those who are considered as worthless in society and warning those who have the most now that the blessings they enjoy may not mean that they are God’s favoured ones.
The woes follow. They feel like they are aimed at me. I am relatively rich, I am well fed and I am happy now. What does God require of me?
I might spiritualise these words, thinking I am hungry for justice for all, I give to charity, I do know what sorrow is from experience. But I am challenged.
Jesus is clear – following his way, we must be prepared for opposition and the more we get, the more we are doing as Jesus did.
Many of our churches are putting themselves at the service of the hungry and the poor. Are we also speaking up for them? Are we experiencing disrespect and opposition in our championing of those whose voices have been silenced by the powerful. Are we compromising the message of Jesus by trying to conform to the norms of our consumerist society?
God is always on the side of the disadvantaged and against those who hold on to what they have and do not follow God in love for the poor, the hungry and the despairing. The prophets were often on the wrong side of the powerful because they spoke up for God and against those who should have been following the Law but were not.
We have good news for the poor to proclaim so we should not be surprised if we are not universally popular especially when we speak up for the marginalised in our society. Let’s rejoice when we are criticised and sidelined and be encouraged to speak up even more because we can be sure that we are following in Jesus’ way when we do so.
Prayer
Lord, you challenge us to be as radical as Jesus.
Help us to love as you do,
Speak as you do,
Follow you into conflict and persecution.
Give us the courage to stand with you
Against evil in all its forms,
Being not only your hands but your voice;
Speaking truth to power
And hope to those in need;
One with your Spirit
Taking up our cross as Jesus did
Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Helen Everard, Minister, Fleet URC, Hampshire Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can
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URC Daily Devotion Monday 16 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Monday 16 December 2024
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Monday 16 December 2024
St Luke 6: 17 - 19
Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
Reflection
Do we really want to be on the same level as others? Surely it is part of our human condition to be better than anyone else?
Almost everything in society elevates the popular or important, often with so much celebrity status that we no longer have a perspective of a level plain. A view from a mount seems so much better. Looking down. Having the view we want. The vistas are clear. There is nothing obstructing our view, our way of seeing what we want to see as we look down on those we’ve decided are unworthy of our level.
The level plain reminds us of how much we don’t feel worthy to be on the same level as others. Where should we look? Up? Down? Around? A level plain assumes a rather blurred view. If you’re like me, you have to stand on your tiptoes to see. Vision is not clear. Things and people are in your way as you try to see over the heads of others, in between the bodies of others, so as to bring into view the reason you are there.
These two short verses expose our unconscious biases — how much our perspective has been decided by our society and our culture.
What difference does it make that this is where Jesus wants us to be and asks us to be? Not on a mountain looking down on others. Or looking up as if we are not worthy. In coming to a level plain, Jesus reminds us our call is to find the level places of life and ministry. The level place demands our faith sees the world from that perspective, to call out the proud and lift up the marginalised and says an unclear view might actually reveal vistas that enable us to see the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Incarnate One,
when we are influenced by the ways of the world,
when we fail to keep our feet on the level plain,
when our trust in your grace and love is lacking
and our vista is blurred,
forgive us.
You know our hearts better than we know ourselves.
You deal with us justly;
grant us your forgiveness and by the power of your Spirit,
strengthen and empower us to follow your way
that your Kingdom may come.
Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, Secretary for Ministries, Purley URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 6: 17 - 19
Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
Reflection
Do we really want to be on the same level as others? Surely it is part of our human condition to be better than anyone else?
Almost everything in society elevates the popular or important, often with so much celebrity status that we no longer have a perspective of a level plain. A view from a mount seems so much better. Looking down. Having the view we want. The vistas are clear. There is nothing obstructing our view, our way of seeing what we want to see as we look down on those we’ve decided are unworthy of our level.
The level plain reminds us of how much we don’t feel worthy to be on the same level as others. Where should we look? Up? Down? Around? A level plain assumes a rather blurred view. If you’re like me, you have to stand on your tiptoes to see. Vision is not clear. Things and people are in your way as you try to see over the heads of others, in between the bodies of others, so as to bring into view the reason you are there.
These two short verses expose our unconscious biases — how much our perspective has been decided by our society and our culture.
What difference does it make that this is where Jesus wants us to be and asks us to be? Not on a mountain looking down on others. Or looking up as if we are not worthy. In coming to a level plain, Jesus reminds us our call is to find the level places of life and ministry. The level place demands our faith sees the world from that perspective, to call out the proud and lift up the marginalised and says an unclear view might actually reveal vistas that enable us to see the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Incarnate One,
when we are influenced by the ways of the world,
when we fail to keep our feet on the level plain,
when our trust in your grace and love is lacking
and our vista is blurred,
forgive us.
You know our hearts better than we know ourselves.
You deal with us justly;
grant us your forgiveness and by the power of your Spirit,
strengthen and empower us to follow your way
that your Kingdom may come.
Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith, Secretary for Ministries, Purley URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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Sunday Worship 15 December 2024
96
Sunday Worship 15 December 2024
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Order of Service
Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can
click here
to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of the screen you will see a play symbol. Press that, then come back to this window so you can follow along with the service. Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Church
for Sunday 15 December
Third Sunday of Advent
Today’s service is led by the Revd George Watt
Introduction
Hello, my name is George Watt. I am Moderator of Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church which involves overseeing the 110 churches in North London and the surrounding counties and its ministers. I can usually be found out preaching in one of those churches every other Sunday. I have been a minister for over 30 years having served in Southampton, South London, and Surrey. On this third Sunday in Advent we are looking at John the Baptist, the forerunner to Jesus. He prepared people for the coming of Jesus and we are in that season of preparation with Christmas not far away. We will also hear from the prophet Zephaniah and the Apostle Paul who will also be teaching us about preparing.
Lighting of Advent Candles
As we light the third candle of Advent, we look forward to the coming of the Light of the World, and give thanks for those who in the past brought light into our dark world. We rejoice in the prophets including John the Baptist who spoke God’s Word to us. We pray for the increase of light which finds fulfilment in Christ.
Call to Worship
Surely God is our salvation.
We will trust, and we will not be afraid.
For the LORD GOD is our strength and our defence.
He has become our salvation.
With joy we will draw water from the wells of salvation. On that day we will say: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name.
Make known what he has done among the nations.
Proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done glorious things.
Let this be known throughout the world.
Shout out loud and sing for joy, O royal Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel who lives amongst you.
Hymn Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley 1744, Public Domain, sung by Lythan and Phil Nevard and used with their kind permission.
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious new realm bring.
By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
Opening Prayers
Let us pray: Lord, we look forward with anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We want to shout out ‘are we nearly there yet?’ But waiting and patience is part of life and your plans.
We thank you that this is not wasted time. It gives us the opportunity to write or email Christmas greetings to friends and family. We have time to think about what presents we should be buying to show our love for others. There is all the food to prepare for the big day.
But it is also a time to hear you speaking to us through the prophets. A time to get ready to receive the king of kings, born into our world, so that Christmas isn’t just yet another day. Lord, we are bowled over that Jesus should come and live amongst us and we are not worthy to receive him into our midst.
So, we have an opportunity to look at ourselves and how we act to see if we are worthy to meet with him.
We are blessed that we are so rich, although we don’t recognise it. We have not just two coats but a wardrobe full of clothes, while others even in this country go cold. We have stuff, lots and lots of stuff and yet we look for even more this Christmas, when others don’t even have a place to call home. Our tables will groan with foods of all descriptions as we rightly celebrate with others, but there are those who will grow hungry.
Challenge us about our consumerist lifestyles and help us look to the example of John the Baptist who lived, ate and dressed simply. As we enjoy so many good things may we not desire more but share with others what we already have.
Here is good news that although we do not deserve God’s love, yet he has lavished it on us with the sending of Jesus into the world. He sends his prophets to challenge us and gives the opportunity to change our lives around, so that not only are we blessed but we can bless others. Thanks be to God.
We gather up our prayers now as we say together the Lord’s Prayer in whatever version or language you are familiar with:
Our Father …
Reading Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away the judgements against you,
he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.
I will deal with all your oppressors at that time.
And I will save the lame and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.
Hymn Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!
Isaac Watts 1719 sung by the choir of Bessacarr Evangelical Church
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heav'n and nature sing (x3).
Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
Your sweetest songs employ,
while fields and streams, and hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy (x3).
He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness
the wonders of His love (x3).
Reading Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reading St Luke 3:7-18
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’ And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’ As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Hymn Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
James Montgomery (1821) Public Domain, sung by the virtual choir of St Mark’s United Methodist Church, Houston, USA
Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;
to take away transgression, and rule in equity.
He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong;
to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in his sight.
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth.
Before him on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,
and righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.
To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;
his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.
The tide of time shall never his covenant remove;
his name shall stand forever; that name to us is love.
Sermon
A phrase that popped into my mind in preparing for this service which is one you don’t hear very often is ‘betwixt and between’ meaning neither here nor there. And that is how we can sometimes feel as Christians that we don’t feel we belong in this world and yet we haven’t entered into the new world that has been promised for us. It is all the more frustrating when the scriptures paint such an exciting picture of what God’s kingdom will be like. Zephaniah talks about the time when God will bring us home. John the Baptist points to a clearing out so that the kingdom might be a fruitful one.
All of this reminds me of the Gospel song:
This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
And that is how we might feel with all that is going on around us with conflicts, injustice and general sadness. We don’t belong here and long to be somewhere else.
But those same scriptures which are about future vision and hope are also ones which point to the possibility of transformation now. And how can we say that the world is not our home when this is where God sent his son Jesus to. Jesus who was willing to give up everything to come here to live amongst us. God did not give up and still does not give up on this world. The vision of what might become a reality now if we cooperate with God in making it happen.
Zephenaiah speaks of a world of healing and justice for the marginalised and overlooked. God says, ‘I will save the lame and gather the outcast.’ Echoes of Jesus words that the first will be last and the last will be first. During COVID I was queuing up literally down the length of the street outside the Doctor’s surgery for my flu jab. An elderly couple started making their way down the road to the end of the queue. With one voice we told them to turn around and go to the front of the queue. So what if it meant that we had to wait a bit longer. If only that were applied to other parts of life. God condemns the prejudices and self-centredness of much of our lives. We don’t always recognise our privileges and we are quick to demand our rights. But the life of discipleship means we are called to change our thinking and the way we act. ‘After you..’ shouldn’t just be a politeness but a genuine, deliberate act.
Paul, of course isn’t saying that rejoicing belongs in the future but should be a facet of our lives now. We can focus on the negative and have a face like we are eating ‘soor plooms’ (translated to sour plums, a Scottish sweet.) Not that we should go around with an inane grin. But the warmth of a smile can convey the joy that we know and lift others’ spirits, because we have much to rejoice about. And if the people we encounter are lacking joy then it is not just a smile that they need but our encouragement and sometimes practical support.
John the Baptist doesn’t always get good press and when he calls his listeners a brood of vipers, that doesn’t strike you as being very encouraging. But sometimes you need prophets like John to say it like it is. The problem comes when that is all they say. John, as brash as he is, also brings a word of good news. There is the possibility of a fresh start, a new beginning. That is what repentance is about, turning away from how we used to act and do things differently.
John responds to the people’s question – ‘What should we do?’ He offers very practical advice. He says to some, if you have two coats then give one away to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have surplus food give it to those who are hungry. If you are a tax collector, don’t demand more than you should. If you are a soldier don’t abuse your position and extort money by threatening or blackmailing.
John begins with what we might see as charity, if you have something spare give it away. But it is more than charity it is a just redistribution of wealth. His reference to tax collectors and soldiers is perhaps surprising. John is saying that those who are sometimes regarded as outside of the kingdom can be part of the kingdom. The Tax Collector working for the Romans and the Roman soldiers can be holy in the way they carry out their work. We live in a world where some careers are held in greater esteem than others. John doesn’t say give up your jobs, but do them with integrity and reflecting God’s values.
Betwixt and between, neither here nor there. But that is not how God wants us to be. We look forward to being part of the kingdom in all its fullness, but may we open our eyes to see how the kingdom is here and each one of us, yes, each one of us are called to build that kingdom here on earth.
What should we do? We should value the marginalised and overlooked. We should rejoice about what God has done, is doing and will do. We should live our lives well, so that others are blessed and God is honoured.
Affirmation of Faith
We believe in the parent God
who loves us and cares for the least and the lost.
We believe in Christ who stepped into the world
because he believed change was possible
and began the transformation.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
who sets our hearts on fire
to build God’s kingdom here on earth as in heaven.
We believe in the Church, not the institution,
but the radical bunch of disciples who listen to what we should do.
Hymn Christ’s is the World in Which We Move
John Bell ©1989 WGRG, Iona Community, Govan, Glasgow G51 3UU, Scotland OneLicence. Unknown performer on YouTube.
Christ’s is the world in which we move;
Christ’s are the folk we’re summoned to love;
Christ’s is the voice which calls us to care,
and Christ is the one who meets us here.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the people we must avoid -
strange or bereaved or never employed.
Feel for the women and feel for the men
who fear that their living is all in vain.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the parents who’ve lost their child,
feel for the women whom men have defiled,
feel for the baby for whom there’s no breast,
and feel for the weary who find no rest.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the lives by life confused,
riddled with doubt, in loving abused;
feel for the lonely heart, conscious of sin,
which longs to be pure but fears to begin.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Prayers of Intercession
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
Lord, John the Baptist warned against snakes. Those who plan and plot evil. We pray for those who are their victims, victims of crime, violence and exploitation. This is not how you want things to be. We pray for freedom for them, so that they need not be afraid.
We remember especially those who have suffered as a result of crimes of genocide and flouting of human rights, which was marked in the last week.
We pray for those who speak out for justice in this country and across the world. We give thanks for those who offer protection to others. For Police Officers, Social Workers, parents, teachers and others.
We pray for the perpetrators, that they might have a change of heart and mind.
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
Lord, John the Baptist warned against the consequence of bad decisions. We pray that we would learn to take care of this planet. You have sent prophets to warn us of the consequences of not changing. Help us to make the right decisions about how we live our lives so that as we act together we can step back from the brink of destruction.
We pray for governments and corporations that they would be good stewards of resources, so that the future of the planet might be ensured. But also that there would be a just and fair sharing of those resources so that there would be an end to poverty, hunger and homelessness.
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
Lord, John the Baptist encourages us to live our lives in a way which reflects that we are following in the footsteps of Christ. We pray that you would show us the way of peace and love. We sometimes think that we can’t do very much to bring about change. But help us and all those of faith and goodwill to stand up for what is right even if they feel they are a lone voice.
We pray for relationships under strain or breaking. We pray for peace within families so that children can grow up with security.
As we prepare to celebrate International Migrants Day we pray that you would help us not just to love those close to us, but to love those who are strangers. We thank you for those who come to our country and enrich it with their presence and contribute to our nation. We pray especially for those coming to seek refuge who don’t always find a welcome. Help them to feel safe and accepted here. For them and for all migrants separated from their loved ones may they still feel them close and held in each other’s hearts.
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
All these prayers we offer in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is present with us now but will come in all his glory to establish his kingdom in all its fullness. Amen.
Hymn Hark the Glad Sound the Saviour Comes
Philip Doddridge 1735 Public Domain Liverpool Metroplitan Cathedral Choir
Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes,
the Saviour promised long!
Let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.
He comes the pris'ners to release,
in Satan’s bondage held;
the gates of brass before Him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
He comes the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure,
and with the riches of His grace,
to enrich the humbled poor.
Our glad Hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
and heav'n’s eternal arches ring,
with Thy beloved Name.
Dedication Prayer
Lord we bring to you all that we are and all that we have to be used by you to build your kingdom. We may not have very much, but what we have we bring to you, knowing that you can multiply our small offering. Use us and our gifts to make a difference.
Blessing
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and those you love, now and forevermore.
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Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can
click here
to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of the screen you will see a play symbol. Press that, then come back to this window so you can follow along with the service. Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Church
for Sunday 15 December
Third Sunday of Advent
Today’s service is led by the Revd George Watt
Introduction
Hello, my name is George Watt. I am Moderator of Thames North Synod of the United Reformed Church which involves overseeing the 110 churches in North London and the surrounding counties and its ministers. I can usually be found out preaching in one of those churches every other Sunday. I have been a minister for over 30 years having served in Southampton, South London, and Surrey. On this third Sunday in Advent we are looking at John the Baptist, the forerunner to Jesus. He prepared people for the coming of Jesus and we are in that season of preparation with Christmas not far away. We will also hear from the prophet Zephaniah and the Apostle Paul who will also be teaching us about preparing.
Lighting of Advent Candles
As we light the third candle of Advent, we look forward to the coming of the Light of the World, and give thanks for those who in the past brought light into our dark world. We rejoice in the prophets including John the Baptist who spoke God’s Word to us. We pray for the increase of light which finds fulfilment in Christ.
Call to Worship
Surely God is our salvation.
We will trust, and we will not be afraid.
For the LORD GOD is our strength and our defence.
He has become our salvation.
With joy we will draw water from the wells of salvation. On that day we will say: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name.
Make known what he has done among the nations.
Proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done glorious things.
Let this be known throughout the world.
Shout out loud and sing for joy, O royal Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel who lives amongst you.
Hymn Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley 1744, Public Domain, sung by Lythan and Phil Nevard and used with their kind permission.
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious new realm bring.
By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
Opening Prayers
Let us pray: Lord, we look forward with anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We want to shout out ‘are we nearly there yet?’ But waiting and patience is part of life and your plans.
We thank you that this is not wasted time. It gives us the opportunity to write or email Christmas greetings to friends and family. We have time to think about what presents we should be buying to show our love for others. There is all the food to prepare for the big day.
But it is also a time to hear you speaking to us through the prophets. A time to get ready to receive the king of kings, born into our world, so that Christmas isn’t just yet another day. Lord, we are bowled over that Jesus should come and live amongst us and we are not worthy to receive him into our midst.
So, we have an opportunity to look at ourselves and how we act to see if we are worthy to meet with him.
We are blessed that we are so rich, although we don’t recognise it. We have not just two coats but a wardrobe full of clothes, while others even in this country go cold. We have stuff, lots and lots of stuff and yet we look for even more this Christmas, when others don’t even have a place to call home. Our tables will groan with foods of all descriptions as we rightly celebrate with others, but there are those who will grow hungry.
Challenge us about our consumerist lifestyles and help us look to the example of John the Baptist who lived, ate and dressed simply. As we enjoy so many good things may we not desire more but share with others what we already have.
Here is good news that although we do not deserve God’s love, yet he has lavished it on us with the sending of Jesus into the world. He sends his prophets to challenge us and gives the opportunity to change our lives around, so that not only are we blessed but we can bless others. Thanks be to God.
We gather up our prayers now as we say together the Lord’s Prayer in whatever version or language you are familiar with:
Our Father …
Reading Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away the judgements against you,
he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion;
do not let your hands grow weak.
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.
I will deal with all your oppressors at that time.
And I will save the lame and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.
Hymn Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!
Isaac Watts 1719 sung by the choir of Bessacarr Evangelical Church
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heav'n and nature sing (x3).
Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
Your sweetest songs employ,
while fields and streams, and hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy (x3).
He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness
the wonders of His love (x3).
Reading Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reading St Luke 3:7-18
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’ And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’ As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
Hymn Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
James Montgomery (1821) Public Domain, sung by the virtual choir of St Mark’s United Methodist Church, Houston, USA
Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;
to take away transgression, and rule in equity.
He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong;
to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in his sight.
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth.
Before him on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,
and righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.
To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;
his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.
The tide of time shall never his covenant remove;
his name shall stand forever; that name to us is love.
Sermon
A phrase that popped into my mind in preparing for this service which is one you don’t hear very often is ‘betwixt and between’ meaning neither here nor there. And that is how we can sometimes feel as Christians that we don’t feel we belong in this world and yet we haven’t entered into the new world that has been promised for us. It is all the more frustrating when the scriptures paint such an exciting picture of what God’s kingdom will be like. Zephaniah talks about the time when God will bring us home. John the Baptist points to a clearing out so that the kingdom might be a fruitful one.
All of this reminds me of the Gospel song:
This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
And that is how we might feel with all that is going on around us with conflicts, injustice and general sadness. We don’t belong here and long to be somewhere else.
But those same scriptures which are about future vision and hope are also ones which point to the possibility of transformation now. And how can we say that the world is not our home when this is where God sent his son Jesus to. Jesus who was willing to give up everything to come here to live amongst us. God did not give up and still does not give up on this world. The vision of what might become a reality now if we cooperate with God in making it happen.
Zephenaiah speaks of a world of healing and justice for the marginalised and overlooked. God says, ‘I will save the lame and gather the outcast.’ Echoes of Jesus words that the first will be last and the last will be first. During COVID I was queuing up literally down the length of the street outside the Doctor’s surgery for my flu jab. An elderly couple started making their way down the road to the end of the queue. With one voice we told them to turn around and go to the front of the queue. So what if it meant that we had to wait a bit longer. If only that were applied to other parts of life. God condemns the prejudices and self-centredness of much of our lives. We don’t always recognise our privileges and we are quick to demand our rights. But the life of discipleship means we are called to change our thinking and the way we act. ‘After you..’ shouldn’t just be a politeness but a genuine, deliberate act.
Paul, of course isn’t saying that rejoicing belongs in the future but should be a facet of our lives now. We can focus on the negative and have a face like we are eating ‘soor plooms’ (translated to sour plums, a Scottish sweet.) Not that we should go around with an inane grin. But the warmth of a smile can convey the joy that we know and lift others’ spirits, because we have much to rejoice about. And if the people we encounter are lacking joy then it is not just a smile that they need but our encouragement and sometimes practical support.
John the Baptist doesn’t always get good press and when he calls his listeners a brood of vipers, that doesn’t strike you as being very encouraging. But sometimes you need prophets like John to say it like it is. The problem comes when that is all they say. John, as brash as he is, also brings a word of good news. There is the possibility of a fresh start, a new beginning. That is what repentance is about, turning away from how we used to act and do things differently.
John responds to the people’s question – ‘What should we do?’ He offers very practical advice. He says to some, if you have two coats then give one away to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have surplus food give it to those who are hungry. If you are a tax collector, don’t demand more than you should. If you are a soldier don’t abuse your position and extort money by threatening or blackmailing.
John begins with what we might see as charity, if you have something spare give it away. But it is more than charity it is a just redistribution of wealth. His reference to tax collectors and soldiers is perhaps surprising. John is saying that those who are sometimes regarded as outside of the kingdom can be part of the kingdom. The Tax Collector working for the Romans and the Roman soldiers can be holy in the way they carry out their work. We live in a world where some careers are held in greater esteem than others. John doesn’t say give up your jobs, but do them with integrity and reflecting God’s values.
Betwixt and between, neither here nor there. But that is not how God wants us to be. We look forward to being part of the kingdom in all its fullness, but may we open our eyes to see how the kingdom is here and each one of us, yes, each one of us are called to build that kingdom here on earth.
What should we do? We should value the marginalised and overlooked. We should rejoice about what God has done, is doing and will do. We should live our lives well, so that others are blessed and God is honoured.
Affirmation of Faith
We believe in the parent God
who loves us and cares for the least and the lost.
We believe in Christ who stepped into the world
because he believed change was possible
and began the transformation.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
who sets our hearts on fire
to build God’s kingdom here on earth as in heaven.
We believe in the Church, not the institution,
but the radical bunch of disciples who listen to what we should do.
Hymn Christ’s is the World in Which We Move
John Bell ©1989 WGRG, Iona Community, Govan, Glasgow G51 3UU, Scotland OneLicence. Unknown performer on YouTube.
Christ’s is the world in which we move;
Christ’s are the folk we’re summoned to love;
Christ’s is the voice which calls us to care,
and Christ is the one who meets us here.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the people we must avoid -
strange or bereaved or never employed.
Feel for the women and feel for the men
who fear that their living is all in vain.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the parents who’ve lost their child,
feel for the women whom men have defiled,
feel for the baby for whom there’s no breast,
and feel for the weary who find no rest.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Feel for the lives by life confused,
riddled with doubt, in loving abused;
feel for the lonely heart, conscious of sin,
which longs to be pure but fears to begin.
To the lost Christ shows his face,
to the unloved he gives his embrace,
to those who cry in pain or disgrace
Christ makes, with his friends, a touching place.
Prayers of Intercession
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
Lord, John the Baptist warned against snakes. Those who plan and plot evil. We pray for those who are their victims, victims of crime, violence and exploitation. This is not how you want things to be. We pray for freedom for them, so that they need not be afraid.
We remember especially those who have suffered as a result of crimes of genocide and flouting of human rights, which was marked in the last week.
We pray for those who speak out for justice in this country and across the world. We give thanks for those who offer protection to others. For Police Officers, Social Workers, parents, teachers and others.
We pray for the perpetrators, that they might have a change of heart and mind.
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
Lord, John the Baptist warned against the consequence of bad decisions. We pray that we would learn to take care of this planet. You have sent prophets to warn us of the consequences of not changing. Help us to make the right decisions about how we live our lives so that as we act together we can step back from the brink of destruction.
We pray for governments and corporations that they would be good stewards of resources, so that the future of the planet might be ensured. But also that there would be a just and fair sharing of those resources so that there would be an end to poverty, hunger and homelessness.
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
Lord, John the Baptist encourages us to live our lives in a way which reflects that we are following in the footsteps of Christ. We pray that you would show us the way of peace and love. We sometimes think that we can’t do very much to bring about change. But help us and all those of faith and goodwill to stand up for what is right even if they feel they are a lone voice.
We pray for relationships under strain or breaking. We pray for peace within families so that children can grow up with security.
As we prepare to celebrate International Migrants Day we pray that you would help us not just to love those close to us, but to love those who are strangers. We thank you for those who come to our country and enrich it with their presence and contribute to our nation. We pray especially for those coming to seek refuge who don’t always find a welcome. Help them to feel safe and accepted here. For them and for all migrants separated from their loved ones may they still feel them close and held in each other’s hearts.
We are living in a dark world. | The light of the world is coming.
All these prayers we offer in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is present with us now but will come in all his glory to establish his kingdom in all its fullness. Amen.
Hymn Hark the Glad Sound the Saviour Comes
Philip Doddridge 1735 Public Domain Liverpool Metroplitan Cathedral Choir
Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes,
the Saviour promised long!
Let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.
He comes the pris'ners to release,
in Satan’s bondage held;
the gates of brass before Him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
He comes the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure,
and with the riches of His grace,
to enrich the humbled poor.
Our glad Hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
and heav'n’s eternal arches ring,
with Thy beloved Name.
Dedication Prayer
Lord we bring to you all that we are and all that we have to be used by you to build your kingdom. We may not have very much, but what we have we bring to you, knowing that you can multiply our small offering. Use us and our gifts to make a difference.
Blessing
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and those you love, now and forevermore.
--> Where words are copyright reproduced and streamed under the terms of ONE LICENSE A-734713
PRS Limited Online Music Licence LE-0019762
Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Sunday 15th December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Sunday 15th December 2024
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Sunday 15 December 2024
The Third Sunday of Advent
Psalm 61
O God, hear my cry!
Listen to my prayer!
From the end of the earth I call;
my heart is faint.
On a rock too high for me to reach
set me on high,
O you who have been my refuge,
my tower against the foe.
Let me dwell in your tent for ever
and hide in the shelter of your wings.
For you, O God, hear my prayer,
grant me the heritage of those who fear you.
May you lengthen the life of the king;
may his years cover many generations.
May he ever sit enthroned before God:
bid love and truth be his protection.
So I will always praise your name
and day after day fulfil my vows.
Reflection
O God hear my cry! Listen to my prayer! Let me hide in the shelter of your wings. There’s only 10 days to go and the presents are not wrapped, I don’t have my turkey, the kids are being a nightmare they are so giddy! Save me from the stress of Christmas……!
O wait… what am I doing? You hear my cry, you hear my prayer, you are my refuge and my protection. Yet I’m making Christmas about everything except the birth of your Son. Let me pause. Let me regroup. Let me remember why we are doing this. Then let me go out praising your name for the gift that you gave. Let my joy be complete, let my praise be loud and hearty. May the birth of your son – celebrated in just 10 days time – be the reason for my happiness, but also the real challenge I need for the rest of the year. May the birth of this child bless and disturb me in equal measure that I remember the real reason he came.
I’ve been surprised to hear a lament psalm at this time – surely this is a time of celebration and joy? But not for everyone. So as I call out about my own busy-ness, let me remember those who are in lament, in distress, in need of help. Help me to see my priorities are upside down, despite my stress being real to me.
So, O God, hear my cries, yes! Hear my prayers, yes! But remind me always that you are there to hear me, to guide me, to challenge me, but most of all to love me.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you hear my cries, you recognise my need and you answer me. May my cries turn to praise, my distress turn to calm that I may be a refuge for others to bring them hope. Guide me to see where my priorities really lie, challenge me to speak out for justice, receive my praise, as I do my best to serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Ruth Watson, SCM MediaCityUK Church, Salford Quays Copyright The Psalms: The Grail Translation, Inclusive Language Version, Collins, 2009. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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The Third Sunday of Advent
Psalm 61
O God, hear my cry!
Listen to my prayer!
From the end of the earth I call;
my heart is faint.
On a rock too high for me to reach
set me on high,
O you who have been my refuge,
my tower against the foe.
Let me dwell in your tent for ever
and hide in the shelter of your wings.
For you, O God, hear my prayer,
grant me the heritage of those who fear you.
May you lengthen the life of the king;
may his years cover many generations.
May he ever sit enthroned before God:
bid love and truth be his protection.
So I will always praise your name
and day after day fulfil my vows.
Reflection
O God hear my cry! Listen to my prayer! Let me hide in the shelter of your wings. There’s only 10 days to go and the presents are not wrapped, I don’t have my turkey, the kids are being a nightmare they are so giddy! Save me from the stress of Christmas……!
O wait… what am I doing? You hear my cry, you hear my prayer, you are my refuge and my protection. Yet I’m making Christmas about everything except the birth of your Son. Let me pause. Let me regroup. Let me remember why we are doing this. Then let me go out praising your name for the gift that you gave. Let my joy be complete, let my praise be loud and hearty. May the birth of your son – celebrated in just 10 days time – be the reason for my happiness, but also the real challenge I need for the rest of the year. May the birth of this child bless and disturb me in equal measure that I remember the real reason he came.
I’ve been surprised to hear a lament psalm at this time – surely this is a time of celebration and joy? But not for everyone. So as I call out about my own busy-ness, let me remember those who are in lament, in distress, in need of help. Help me to see my priorities are upside down, despite my stress being real to me.
So, O God, hear my cries, yes! Hear my prayers, yes! But remind me always that you are there to hear me, to guide me, to challenge me, but most of all to love me.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you hear my cries, you recognise my need and you answer me. May my cries turn to praise, my distress turn to calm that I may be a refuge for others to bring them hope. Guide me to see where my priorities really lie, challenge me to speak out for justice, receive my praise, as I do my best to serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Ruth Watson, SCM MediaCityUK Church, Salford Quays Copyright The Psalms: The Grail Translation, Inclusive Language Version, Collins, 2009. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Saturday 14th December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Saturday 14th December 2024
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Saturday 14th December 2024
St Luke 6: 12 - 16
Now during those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Reflection
Jesus prayed all night. Jesus called twelve to be his closest circle of people. It would be easy to read today’s passage and want to insert a break between what appear to be separate sections. But this is not just anyone; this is Jesus! The two halves are most definitely linked.
I remember when I was approaching my ordination feeling, yes, I’ll admit it, jealous, jealous of my Anglican contemporaries who would be going on an organised retreat for two or three days before they were ordained. Granted, having group ordinations, makes retreats easier to organise. I managed to arrange a couple of nights private retreat for myself and I was glad I did. In my own way I was able to link into a treasure of another tradition, and it was good.
Years later, studying for an MA in Spirituality alongside many Catholics, I found myself standing up for one of the treasures of our URC tradition. My colleagues were used to decisions being made by an individual with power. Some were interested to hear more about what they saw as our democratic system.
Yet, of course, our church government is not about democracy, but about corporate discernment. At its best the URC is a Theocracy. Together we seek the will of God.
But I wonder how often our opening devotions at meetings really enable us to engage with God? Are they sometimes perfunctory? Do we have too many words and not enough listening? And do we prepare in prayer as individuals before we even set forth for the meeting or switch onto Zoom?
The future is not straightforward for our denomination, for Christianity, or indeed for our world at the moment. Perhaps we should be thankful we are not all involved in all the decision making which will be needed. However when we are involved, Jesus challenges us to engage with God in deep prayer so we can listen and discern God’s will. And when the decision-making lies with others, maybe we can support them with our prayer.
Prayer
Decisions, decisions!
Which, where, who, what, when, how . . . ?
Oh God, whenever we have to make decisions,
grant us the patience to discern your will
and the courage to follow it.
Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Daphne Preece, Retired Minister in East Midlands Synod Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 6: 12 - 16
Now during those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Reflection
Jesus prayed all night. Jesus called twelve to be his closest circle of people. It would be easy to read today’s passage and want to insert a break between what appear to be separate sections. But this is not just anyone; this is Jesus! The two halves are most definitely linked.
I remember when I was approaching my ordination feeling, yes, I’ll admit it, jealous, jealous of my Anglican contemporaries who would be going on an organised retreat for two or three days before they were ordained. Granted, having group ordinations, makes retreats easier to organise. I managed to arrange a couple of nights private retreat for myself and I was glad I did. In my own way I was able to link into a treasure of another tradition, and it was good.
Years later, studying for an MA in Spirituality alongside many Catholics, I found myself standing up for one of the treasures of our URC tradition. My colleagues were used to decisions being made by an individual with power. Some were interested to hear more about what they saw as our democratic system.
Yet, of course, our church government is not about democracy, but about corporate discernment. At its best the URC is a Theocracy. Together we seek the will of God.
But I wonder how often our opening devotions at meetings really enable us to engage with God? Are they sometimes perfunctory? Do we have too many words and not enough listening? And do we prepare in prayer as individuals before we even set forth for the meeting or switch onto Zoom?
The future is not straightforward for our denomination, for Christianity, or indeed for our world at the moment. Perhaps we should be thankful we are not all involved in all the decision making which will be needed. However when we are involved, Jesus challenges us to engage with God in deep prayer so we can listen and discern God’s will. And when the decision-making lies with others, maybe we can support them with our prayer.
Prayer
Decisions, decisions!
Which, where, who, what, when, how . . . ?
Oh God, whenever we have to make decisions,
grant us the patience to discern your will
and the courage to follow it.
Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Daphne Preece, Retired Minister in East Midlands Synod Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Friday 13th December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Friday 13th December 2024
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Friday 13th December 2024
St Luke 6: 6 - 11
On another sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Reflection
Dismiss any caricature of Pharisees and Scribes as pantomime villains, wilfully opposing anything and everything done by Jesus and his followers. They were learned scholars intent on maintaining the teaching and traditions of their religion. For them this was a hard but vital task; they lived in an occupied land subject to people with very different religious beliefs and observances; it was the very specific observances of Judaism that held the Jewish people together, and the maintenance of the Sabbath and public observance of the 39 activities enumerated by generations of rabbis was something they perceived as vital for keeping the Jewish people distinct from their heathen overlords and neighbours.
Their focus was indeed narrow, so narrow that any deviation from the law was perceived as an existential threat – for so it was from their standpoint. To quote W R Bowie, “They peered so narrowly into old books that they never lifted their eyes to look out of the window upon the new and exciting facts which were going by. They knew all about what God had said once, and in their preoccupation with that it did not even occur to them that they had better be listening for what God was saying then.”
So, what about us? I regret that the editors of Rejoice and Sing did not carry over from earlier hymn books George Rawson’s paraphrase of Pastor John Robinson’s address to the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620, “We limit not the truth of God to our poor reach of mind, by notions of our day and sect crude, partial and confined … The Lord hath yet more life and truth to break forth from his word.” But at R&S 483 we do have Brian Wren’s, “Glad of tradition, help us to see in all life’s changing where you are leading, where our best efforts should be.”
Prayer
Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,* we pray that our minds, our eyes and our hearts may be open to understand what you, Almighty God, are saying to your Church now; give us the vision and strength we need to be and to do what you would have us be and do; in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray: Amen
*Hebrews 12: 2.
--> Today's writer The Rev’d Julian Macro, Retired minister and member of Verwood URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 6: 6 - 11
On another sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Reflection
Dismiss any caricature of Pharisees and Scribes as pantomime villains, wilfully opposing anything and everything done by Jesus and his followers. They were learned scholars intent on maintaining the teaching and traditions of their religion. For them this was a hard but vital task; they lived in an occupied land subject to people with very different religious beliefs and observances; it was the very specific observances of Judaism that held the Jewish people together, and the maintenance of the Sabbath and public observance of the 39 activities enumerated by generations of rabbis was something they perceived as vital for keeping the Jewish people distinct from their heathen overlords and neighbours.
Their focus was indeed narrow, so narrow that any deviation from the law was perceived as an existential threat – for so it was from their standpoint. To quote W R Bowie, “They peered so narrowly into old books that they never lifted their eyes to look out of the window upon the new and exciting facts which were going by. They knew all about what God had said once, and in their preoccupation with that it did not even occur to them that they had better be listening for what God was saying then.”
So, what about us? I regret that the editors of Rejoice and Sing did not carry over from earlier hymn books George Rawson’s paraphrase of Pastor John Robinson’s address to the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620, “We limit not the truth of God to our poor reach of mind, by notions of our day and sect crude, partial and confined … The Lord hath yet more life and truth to break forth from his word.” But at R&S 483 we do have Brian Wren’s, “Glad of tradition, help us to see in all life’s changing where you are leading, where our best efforts should be.”
Prayer
Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,* we pray that our minds, our eyes and our hearts may be open to understand what you, Almighty God, are saying to your Church now; give us the vision and strength we need to be and to do what you would have us be and do; in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray: Amen
*Hebrews 12: 2.
--> Today's writer The Rev’d Julian Macro, Retired minister and member of Verwood URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Thursday 12th December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Thursday 12th December 2024
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Thursday 12th December 2024
St Luke 6: 1 - 5
One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’
Reflection
We live in an age when even good church folk, as I assume most people reading/hearing this might be, sit lightly to the concept of Shabbat that Jesus would have been brought up with. Many will in their lifetimes have experienced a revolution in what is generally acceptable on Sundays. As a child, Sunday afternoons (after Church and Sunday School of course) were for going for walks, visiting a museum or reading a good book and strictly not for playing out – even the swings in the park were chained up. When as a student I moved from Presbyterian Glasgow to Warwick, I was shocked to find the cinema open on a Sunday!
Whether such limited possibilities for activity were beneficial or not I hesitate to discuss. We just accepted them – although no doubt some resented the restrictions on their freedom. In our busy-busy, social media dominated society, the mental health benefits of being able to take time to just switch off are increasingly recognised.
It was the recognition that all, from the lowest to the highest, deserved rest and re-creation that led to the God-endorsed concept of Shabbat freedom from work. When they set out the 39 descriptors of what constituted work, the Jewish authorities had good intentions of helping the people to understand what they could and could not do to respect the law.
By the time that Jesus’ disciples contravened four of these definitions, the Pharisees had forgotten the intent of the rules and their own understanding that Shabbat was made for humanity, not humanity for Shabbat. Jesus’ challenge was that they had read the scriptures but not understood the meaning behind the Word. The minutiae had obliterated the generality.
In the URC we value good order. The intent is to be helpful. The intent must remain paramount.
Prayer
God of Shabbat,
when we hide behind rules, forgive us
when we fail to call out hypocrisy, forgive us
when we fail to use opportunities for re-creation, encourage us
Shalom, Amen
--> Today's writer The Rev’d Ron Reid is a retired minister in the Mersey Synod serving as Link Minister at Rock Chapel, Farndon. He is a member at Upton-by-Chester URC. Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 6: 1 - 5
One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’
Reflection
We live in an age when even good church folk, as I assume most people reading/hearing this might be, sit lightly to the concept of Shabbat that Jesus would have been brought up with. Many will in their lifetimes have experienced a revolution in what is generally acceptable on Sundays. As a child, Sunday afternoons (after Church and Sunday School of course) were for going for walks, visiting a museum or reading a good book and strictly not for playing out – even the swings in the park were chained up. When as a student I moved from Presbyterian Glasgow to Warwick, I was shocked to find the cinema open on a Sunday!
Whether such limited possibilities for activity were beneficial or not I hesitate to discuss. We just accepted them – although no doubt some resented the restrictions on their freedom. In our busy-busy, social media dominated society, the mental health benefits of being able to take time to just switch off are increasingly recognised.
It was the recognition that all, from the lowest to the highest, deserved rest and re-creation that led to the God-endorsed concept of Shabbat freedom from work. When they set out the 39 descriptors of what constituted work, the Jewish authorities had good intentions of helping the people to understand what they could and could not do to respect the law.
By the time that Jesus’ disciples contravened four of these definitions, the Pharisees had forgotten the intent of the rules and their own understanding that Shabbat was made for humanity, not humanity for Shabbat. Jesus’ challenge was that they had read the scriptures but not understood the meaning behind the Word. The minutiae had obliterated the generality.
In the URC we value good order. The intent is to be helpful. The intent must remain paramount.
Prayer
God of Shabbat,
when we hide behind rules, forgive us
when we fail to call out hypocrisy, forgive us
when we fail to use opportunities for re-creation, encourage us
Shalom, Amen
--> Today's writer The Rev’d Ron Reid is a retired minister in the Mersey Synod serving as Link Minister at Rock Chapel, Farndon. He is a member at Upton-by-Chester URC. Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 11th December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 11th December 2024
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Wednesday 11th December 2024
St Luke 5: 33 - 39
Then they said to Jesus, ‘John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make wedding-guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.’ He also told them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, “The old is good.”’
Reflection
Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time. So speaks Proverbs 17v22 (GNT). John the Baptist, ascetic, abstaining from alcohol and all forms of luxury; Jesus, relaxed and friendly, eating, drinking, enjoying life. If their lifestyles were so different, then we would expect their disciples to lead contrasting lifestyles. So how are we to measure Christian discipleship? There is no lack of guidance in the New Testament, especially in the Epistles of Paul and other writings. Interpreting them has produced a rich seam of advice and warnings over the centuries from all branches of the church, to this very day.
In Luke’s gospel we find Jesus illustrating discipleship, not with stern warnings, but with vivid images taken from everyday life. A wedding celebration, lasting a week in Jesus’ time, becomes the means of answering his critics. Fasting and praying disciplines are not appropriate for guests when a bridegroom arrives for his wedding. ‘Where’s the marriage?’, ‘Who’s the bridegroom?’, Who’s the bride?’ are the teasing questions that naturally arise. Admittedly, fasting becomes more appropriate when the bridegroom leaves, for It signals the end of the celebration. But the bridegroom being ‘taken away’ is a much darker comment for folk to ponder. The prophet’s imagery of God as Israel’s bridegroom shimmers away in the background.
Luke follows with Jesus’ two parables illustrating the relationship between the new and the old; the folly of patching new cloth on to old, and the need for new wineskins for new wine. Old wineskins will not contain the fermentation of the new wine, but will burst. These are unsettling images for the recycler. However they teach us that discipleship requires openness, an elasticity of the mind and spirit to follow where the Holy Spirit may lead us.
Prayer
Gracious God,
we are comfortable with old
established ways of discipleship,
and reluctant to embrace new ways
of bearing witness to you in our lives.
Open us up to the leading of your Spirit,
so that we become more courageous
and imaginative in following your Son, Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd John A Young, retired minister National Synod of Scotland, member of Giffnock URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 5: 33 - 39
Then they said to Jesus, ‘John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You cannot make wedding-guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.’ He also told them a parable: ‘No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, “The old is good.”’
Reflection
Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time. So speaks Proverbs 17v22 (GNT). John the Baptist, ascetic, abstaining from alcohol and all forms of luxury; Jesus, relaxed and friendly, eating, drinking, enjoying life. If their lifestyles were so different, then we would expect their disciples to lead contrasting lifestyles. So how are we to measure Christian discipleship? There is no lack of guidance in the New Testament, especially in the Epistles of Paul and other writings. Interpreting them has produced a rich seam of advice and warnings over the centuries from all branches of the church, to this very day.
In Luke’s gospel we find Jesus illustrating discipleship, not with stern warnings, but with vivid images taken from everyday life. A wedding celebration, lasting a week in Jesus’ time, becomes the means of answering his critics. Fasting and praying disciplines are not appropriate for guests when a bridegroom arrives for his wedding. ‘Where’s the marriage?’, ‘Who’s the bridegroom?’, Who’s the bride?’ are the teasing questions that naturally arise. Admittedly, fasting becomes more appropriate when the bridegroom leaves, for It signals the end of the celebration. But the bridegroom being ‘taken away’ is a much darker comment for folk to ponder. The prophet’s imagery of God as Israel’s bridegroom shimmers away in the background.
Luke follows with Jesus’ two parables illustrating the relationship between the new and the old; the folly of patching new cloth on to old, and the need for new wineskins for new wine. Old wineskins will not contain the fermentation of the new wine, but will burst. These are unsettling images for the recycler. However they teach us that discipleship requires openness, an elasticity of the mind and spirit to follow where the Holy Spirit may lead us.
Prayer
Gracious God,
we are comfortable with old
established ways of discipleship,
and reluctant to embrace new ways
of bearing witness to you in our lives.
Open us up to the leading of your Spirit,
so that we become more courageous
and imaginative in following your Son, Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd John A Young, retired minister National Synod of Scotland, member of Giffnock URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion 10 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion 10 December 2024
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10 December 2024
St Luke 5: 27 - 32
After this Jesus went out and saw a tax-collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax-collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.’
Reflection
In our readings from Luke’s gospel we are regularly confronted by Jesus’ encounters with those who are on the margins of first century Palestinian society. Today’s reading starts with ‘after this’, which begs the question “after what?” Jesus has just dealt with some wanton destruction of property, and a person excluded from society through disability. He is now dealing with someone who, for whatever reason, has marginalised himself, through collaboration with the occupying forces.
Not only does Jesus befriend this traitor, but then feasts with Levi’s friends and acquaintances, none of whom belong in polite society. The respectable citizens are enraged. Quite why they want Jesus to themselves is questionable - though they do enjoy trying to trip him up with their questions, and when they ask him why he’s mixing with all the wrong people, he manages a response which is both flattering to them, and also a bit of a put down.
At our last General Assembly we were challenged about being a church with people on the margins. The question of who is on the margins is a fascinating one. We might even perceive ourselves, as people of faith, to be those who are on the margins of society ourselves! Who are the people in our own communities who, by choice or chance - or a combination of the two - are on the margins? And how can we, as individual disciples, or as a community of Christians, work with them to bring about signs of the Kingdom?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to see those who are marginalised, to listen to voices are seldom heard, and to be changed by those who have a different perspective on life and faith.
Help us to work together to bring about your kingdom - your rule - in and beyond the Church.
Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Clare Downing, Synod Moderator, North Western Synod Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 5: 27 - 32
After this Jesus went out and saw a tax-collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax-collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax-collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.’
Reflection
In our readings from Luke’s gospel we are regularly confronted by Jesus’ encounters with those who are on the margins of first century Palestinian society. Today’s reading starts with ‘after this’, which begs the question “after what?” Jesus has just dealt with some wanton destruction of property, and a person excluded from society through disability. He is now dealing with someone who, for whatever reason, has marginalised himself, through collaboration with the occupying forces.
Not only does Jesus befriend this traitor, but then feasts with Levi’s friends and acquaintances, none of whom belong in polite society. The respectable citizens are enraged. Quite why they want Jesus to themselves is questionable - though they do enjoy trying to trip him up with their questions, and when they ask him why he’s mixing with all the wrong people, he manages a response which is both flattering to them, and also a bit of a put down.
At our last General Assembly we were challenged about being a church with people on the margins. The question of who is on the margins is a fascinating one. We might even perceive ourselves, as people of faith, to be those who are on the margins of society ourselves! Who are the people in our own communities who, by choice or chance - or a combination of the two - are on the margins? And how can we, as individual disciples, or as a community of Christians, work with them to bring about signs of the Kingdom?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to see those who are marginalised, to listen to voices are seldom heard, and to be changed by those who have a different perspective on life and faith.
Help us to work together to bring about your kingdom - your rule - in and beyond the Church.
Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Clare Downing, Synod Moderator, North Western Synod Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can
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URC Daily Devotion 9 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion 9 December 2024
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9 December 2024
St Luke 5: 17 - 26
One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralysed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, ‘Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the one who was paralysed—‘I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.’ Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’
Reflection
‘When he saw their faith …’
If you could ask one question about Jesus what would it be? Religious teachers and guides had not one but two concerning Jesus when he told the mattress man that his sins were forgiven. ‘Who is this that is speaking blasphemies?’ ‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Such loaded questions!
Jesus responded in a like for like fashion with two of his own, demanding to know why they asked such questions, and confronting them with a conundrum about the relationship between forgiveness and healing.
The questions of Jesus’s interrogators are not my questions. Instead, I’m intrigued (and disconcerted) by the Gospel writer’s comment that it was when Jesus perceived the faith of the friends that he pronounced the paralysed man’s sins were forgiven. Not his faith (if he had one) - their faith.
So, I was wondering, might my faith save others from their sins and/or whatever ails them? Might the faith of others do the same for me? That seems at odds with my experience of religion where I have been invited to have faith so that my sins might be forgiven, and it’s suggested that it is up to others to have faith so that theirs also might be forgiven. Maybe I need to take more seriously this business of praying for the wellbeing of others.
Speaking of prayer, I suppose I could put my questions to Jesus, but contemplating this Bible passage, I fear he might just respond with some questions of his own. Particularly, how should I respond if Jesus says, ‘I like your idea about “thoughts and prayers” for those in difficulty, but did you notice that the “saving faith” of friends is one expressed in practical, helpful actions?’
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to have a faith that helps others in their need, and grant to others a faith that helps me in my need. Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, Minister at Saint Columba’s URC, North Shields Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 5: 17 - 26
One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralysed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, ‘Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the one who was paralysed—‘I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.’ Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’
Reflection
‘When he saw their faith …’
If you could ask one question about Jesus what would it be? Religious teachers and guides had not one but two concerning Jesus when he told the mattress man that his sins were forgiven. ‘Who is this that is speaking blasphemies?’ ‘Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Such loaded questions!
Jesus responded in a like for like fashion with two of his own, demanding to know why they asked such questions, and confronting them with a conundrum about the relationship between forgiveness and healing.
The questions of Jesus’s interrogators are not my questions. Instead, I’m intrigued (and disconcerted) by the Gospel writer’s comment that it was when Jesus perceived the faith of the friends that he pronounced the paralysed man’s sins were forgiven. Not his faith (if he had one) - their faith.
So, I was wondering, might my faith save others from their sins and/or whatever ails them? Might the faith of others do the same for me? That seems at odds with my experience of religion where I have been invited to have faith so that my sins might be forgiven, and it’s suggested that it is up to others to have faith so that theirs also might be forgiven. Maybe I need to take more seriously this business of praying for the wellbeing of others.
Speaking of prayer, I suppose I could put my questions to Jesus, but contemplating this Bible passage, I fear he might just respond with some questions of his own. Particularly, how should I respond if Jesus says, ‘I like your idea about “thoughts and prayers” for those in difficulty, but did you notice that the “saving faith” of friends is one expressed in practical, helpful actions?’
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to have a faith that helps others in their need, and grant to others a faith that helps me in my need. Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, Minister at Saint Columba’s URC, North Shields Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can
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Sunday Worship 8 December 2024
96
Sunday Worship 8 December 2024
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Worship Services from the URC
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Order of Service
Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can
click here
to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of the screen you will see a play symbol. Press that, then come back to this window so you can follow along with the service. Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Church
for Sunday 8 December 2024
The 2nd Sunday of Advent
Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin
Words of Scripture
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare this ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people.”
Luke 1:76-77a
Welcome and Introduction
On this second Sunday of Advent when we are reminded of the prophets who have gone before us, grace and peace to you from God, who calls us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin, and I currently minister in Southeast London serving Bromley United Reformed Church. I am also undertaking some Synod-directed work that is looking at the presence of the URC in one of the deprived areas of the Borough of Bromley. Much of my work focuses on social action within the community—being that physical expression of God’s love for the world. Yet, despite the saying “actions speak louder than words,” the sharing of our faith does require more than actions. We are called by God to speak as well as act. To speak like the prophets of the Old Testament, whose messages of the coming of the Messiah are a central theme for the second Sunday of Advent, does not feel appropriate in the world today. There is more than enough doom and gloom, the people do not need to hear anymore. However, when you dig down into the words of the prophets, ultimately, there is a message of hope. Therefore, how do we share that hope that comes from being in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, while drawing attention to the requirements on our side in that relationship? Our scriptures today lead us to explore these questions. First let us hear the words of the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, as we open ourselves up to God through our worship.
Words of Scripture
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:3-11
Hymn Angels Voices Ever Singing
Francis Pott (1861) Public Domain Sung by the One Voice Choir, Ghana
Angel voices ever singing round Thy throne of light,
angel harps, forever ringing, rest not day nor night;
thousands only live to bless Thee and confess thee Lord of might.
Yea, we know Thy love rejoices o'er each work of Thine;
Thou didst ears & hands & voices for Thy praise combine;
craftsman's art & music's measure for Thy pleasure didst design.
In Thy house Great God we offer of Thine own to Thee;
and for Thine acceptance proffer, all unworthily,
hearts & minds & hands & voices in our choicest Psalmody.
Honour, glory, might, and merit Thine shall ever be,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, blessed Trinity:
of the best that Thou hast given earth and heaven render Thee.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
With all of creation, mighty God, we praise and thank you
for the good news that is ours through Jesus Christ.
Thank you that through your grace
and the work of the Holy Spirit within us
we can know your love more deeply
and be inspired to share it with others.
However, we know are hearts are not always pure,
that at times we are far from our best selves
and our actions and words do not tally.
Forgive us as we sing with Zechariah
your promise to us and pray for our deliverance.
Benedictus / The Song of Zechariah
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who has come to his people and set them free.
The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through the holy prophets God promised of old
to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us,
to show mercy to our forebears,
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.
And you child shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Prayer of Supplication
Righteous God, wake us with the dawn
free from fear and doubt of the sins
that holds us back from living our best lives for you.
Unseal our lips and fill us with the Holy Spirit
so that we might praise you with our whole beings
and share that eternal hope
you have given us through Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with you
as Saviour of all. Amen
Hymn On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
John Chandler; Author: Charles Coffin Sung by the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church (Michigan) Virtual Choir and used with their kind permission.
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every life from sin:
make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare
for Christ to come and enter there.
We hail you as our Saviour, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward.
Without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine
and fill the world with love divine.
All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won,
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Spirit, evermore.
Reading Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Reading St Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’
Sermon
How prepared are you?
Advent would not be Advent if preparation was not mentioned at least once. With us being through the first full week of December, the days are quickly ticking down to making sure everything is ready for how ever we might be celebrating the big day this year. How prepared we might be feeling will soon be measurable by how many Christmas cards we have written and actually managed to send. Life, at this time of year, becomes consumed with readiness, or lack of it. However, when the prophets called the people to prepare for the coming of the Lord, do you think they meant all that exhausts us during December? Of course not, but despite the panic buying and endless lists, what we are doing is far the easiest way for us to prepare for the day of our Lord!
Now, for those of us ensconced in the life of the Church, it is very easy to come to the season of Advent and think, “here is an opportune time to tell the world about Jesus!” Therefore, we set about telling the world of the hope brought with Jesus’s birth and sharing its joy. Through Nativity plays, carol singing with mince pies and the unwrapping of the Christmas story, we stand on our chaotic streets trying to do as John the Baptist did in the wilderness—make the way to God clear, and possibly even prepare people to meet God! And there is nothing wrong with this; if we cannot tell the world about Jesus ahead of Christmas, then we have a serious problem because trying to do at Easter is even harder. But, on this second Sunday of Advent, the words of the prophets do not just suggest that it is the world that needs to be told of what Jesus’s coming was all about—the church itself needs to be reminded that Jesus will come again!
When we hear the words of the prophets Malachi and Isaiah together, they contain very similar thoughts. There will be someone who will come before God’s arrival who will prepare the people for what God will do when God comes. Also, when God comes, God will purify the land and its people, bringing justice. However, Malachi highlights a particular tribe of Israel—the tribe of Levi—those who were the priests of Israel.
A simplistic reading of the message Malachi was bringing to the people of Israel in his prophecy is that God promised a reversal of the people’s fortunes if the priesthood changed their ways. Obviously, there was more to what Malachi was saying than this—it was not just the priests at fault. They were, however, the people who looked after the physical covenant—those stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written. They were the people who, when the Temple was central to Jewish rites and rituals, ensured they were administered rightly. They were the people who should have known better and lived accordingly.
Anyone feeling a little uncomfortable on hearing this? This might sound a little harsh, but I hope those of us who see ourselves as God’s representatives through our membership of God’s church, are feeling uneasy. Just as Malachi was pointing out to the priests, our words and actions as God’s church do need to reflect one another. Do not panic, though, the glitter that we have covered Advent with does not need to be swept up and exchanged for sackcloth and ashes. However, we might need to add some camel hair, just to keep us sharp!
It was no consequence that John the Baptist was the son of a priest and, therefore, a descendent of the tribe of Levi. John may not have followed his father into the temple as would have been expected of him, but that did not mean that he did not live out that calling of a priest—one who lived faithfully in accordance with God’s covenant. Rather he did so demonstrating the shift that would come with Jesus and asking the difficult questions of everyone, including himself, about one’s readiness for that new era.
By challenging the priesthood, Malachi sets before us that no one is beyond God’s justice. In the context of the book of Malachi, God’s justice related to judgement. Malachi was saying that being a priest did not make one immune to God’s wrath. Words we seriously have to heed as the church. Justice, however, is also about how one lives—the moral code we hold to which for Malachi, Isaiah and John was God’s. Again, something that we have to take seriously as the church and not just in our preaching!
This brings us to John’s call for repentance. As we will discover next Sunday when we hear some of John’s preaching on the banks of the Jordon as recalled by the gospel writer of Luke, there is no escaping language that is condemning. We find John living up to the idea that he was not just one of the priestly people, he was a true prophet. When it comes to repentance and the world’s need for salvation, it is not hard to see how one’s passion for everyone to hear turns quickly to everyone being condemned. Here, though, as an uncomfortable church, knowing that we are as much in the wrong as everyone else, we have an advantage and the ability to change the heard rhetoric. In reflecting on are worthiness before God, we can interpret John’s words and share the compassion of God he was sharing with the people. In turn this knowledge allows us to show the way to God so that those who do not know can approach God with open hearts.
In preparation, what then does this mean for the Church?
As those in the know, both Malachi and John are, as we reflect on their words, questioning the church about how things stand between us and God. As with the temple priests and other religious leaders, the church and its members are being called to own their own imperfections. With the world, we are being asked where is God present in our lives and how are we honouring that presence?
Luckily, this self-reflection is not only encouraged in the season of Advent or what might seem more fitting, the season of Lent. In our worship, the church is encouraged to lay itself open before God and let go of what might be holding it back. We are urged to look upon the empty cross, see the open tomb and be reminded of God’s immense love and grace for all of humanity despite its imperfections and flaws. Through our worship, our readiness and willingness to let God remodel us, maybe even refine us, should be nurtured.
At the beginning of our service, we heard the apostle Paul’s prayer for the church in Philippi. Paul, as he gave thanks to God for the Church, congratulated the church in its sharing of the gospel. Yet, for the church’s welfare and its ability to keep doing what it was doing, Paul prayed for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the church’s openness so it could do better and live according to God’s justice.
How much do we, as the church, need that prayer as we take on the mantle of John to prepare the way for the coming of Christ?
This Advent, how prepared are we to own our imperfections before God? How prepared are we to hear the words of the prophets and know they are as much for us as for the rest of the world? How prepared are we to receive Christ again?
In our making ready and our excitement to share the good news of the angels, let us keep an ear open to the prophets so that we all will see the glory of God. Amen
Hymn Make way, make way, for Christ the King
Graham Kendrick © 1986, Thankyou Music Frodsham Methodist Church Cloud Choir. Accompanied by Andrew Ellams and produced by Andrew Emison and used with their kind permission
Make way, make way!For Christ the King
in splendour arrives.
Fling wide the gates and welcome Him
into your lives
And those who mourn with heavy hearts,
who weep and sigh,
with laughter, joy and royal crown
He’ll beautify
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings (For the King of kings)
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
And let His kingdom in
He comes the broken hearts to heal;
the prisoners to free.
The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance,
the blind shall see!
We call you now to worship Him
as Lord of all;
to have no gods before Him -
their thrones must fall!
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings (For the King of kings)
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
And let His kingdom in
Affirmation of Faith
‘Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great …’ yet this Advent, let us proclaim the faith of the Church universal which the coming of Christ made possible.
We believe in God as parent,
creator and protector,
root of all being.
We believe in Jesus Christ—
God in our midst—
coming as that fragile promise
of a baby yet to be born
and whose birth was heralded with hope.
Who John the Baptist announced
would turn the world upside down
seeing deep into the human heart
separating the wheat from the chaff
and the sheep from the goats.
Yet who passed through the grip of death
so all might know justice and peace—
God’s gifts of mercy and compassion
far beyond our human understanding.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
implanter of truth,
who brings us to birth as the body of Christ,
holds us together,
and empowers us to confront and transform
all that is wrong in our lives and the world
for the glory of God
who draws near, who is always near
and who promises to come near again. Amen
Prayers of Intercession
Gracious God,
as your church strives to be better,
as it endeavours to be the true example,
Jesus commissioned it to be,
of right living in you,
we pray that you will shine on those who find themselves in darkness
and in that land of shadows between life and death.
We pray for the many conflicts of this world,
for the innocent lives that are being destroyed
because of corruption, a hunger for power,
in justification of a position whether true or false.
silence
We pray for the communities of which we are a part,
for those difficult relationships, hidden realities,
the mountain which is injustice within society.
silence
We pray for all those who are ill,
close to death, grieving,
or who find themselves in one of life’s deep valleys
unable to see the way through.
silence
You call your church to be that voice in the wilderness of life,
to tell of your mercy and love, speak up for justice,
making your way in the world clear.
Therefore, we pray for all those
with political and financial power in the world;
our nation’s governments,
local councils and assemblies.
May a heart for change use knowledge wisely
to bring about equity and understanding.
silence
And we pray for ourselves as your church,
for the unconscious bias that is within us
and how that can shape our openness to the world.
As we prepare to celebrate your coming,
Jesus Christ, pour your Holy Spirit upon us
to refine our view of the world
and guide our feet on your path
leading others to a life with you and in you.
All these prayers, and many more that will go unsaid today,
we offer in and through the prayer you taught the disciples
which as your church we pray together:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen
Offertory
Aware of God’s power — God’s ability to change hearts and minds—
we prepare to make our offering to God.
Refining God, you can take all that we offer
and turn it into something better.
Though what we bring might feel limited, not worthy of your greatness,
as we prepare the world and ourselves for your coming,
make these offerings mighty proclaiming your glory for all
through Jesus Christ. Amen
Hymn Hills of the North, Rejoice
Charles Earnest Oakley public domain performed by Ruth and Joy Everingham and used with their kind permission.
Hills of the North, rejoice,
river and mountain-spring,
hark to the advent voice;
valley and lowland, sing.
Christ comes in righteousness and love,
he brings salvation from above.
Isles of the Southern seas,
sing to the listening earth,
carry on every breeze
hope of a world's new birth:
in Christ shall all be made anew,
his word is sure, his promise true.
Lands of the east, arise,
he is your brightest morn,
greet him with joyous eyes,
let praise his path adorn:
your seers have longed to know their Lord;
to you he comes, the final word.
Shores of the utmost West,
lands of the setting sun,
welcome the heavenly guest
in whom the dawn has come:
he brings a never-ending light
who triumphed o'er our darkest night.
Shout, as you journey home,
songs be in every mouth,
lo, from the North they come,
from East and West and South:
in Jesus all shall find their rest,
in him the universe be blest.
Dismissal and Blessing
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way, to give knowledge of salvation to all people.
Go then, with God’s call ringing in your ears and hearts open to God’s leading ready and willing to share your knowledge of Christ with all whom you meet.
And the blessing of God, who is eternal, incarnate and abiding,
go with you and remain with you this Advent and beyond. Amen
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Below you will find the Order of Service, prayers, hymns and sermon for today's service. You can either simply read this or you can
click here
to listen to the service and sing along with the hymns. This will open up a new screen, at the bottom of the screen you will see a play symbol. Press that, then come back to this window so you can follow along with the service. Sunday Worship from the United Reformed Church
for Sunday 8 December 2024
The 2nd Sunday of Advent
Today’s service is led by the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin
Words of Scripture
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare this ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people.”
Luke 1:76-77a
Welcome and Introduction
On this second Sunday of Advent when we are reminded of the prophets who have gone before us, grace and peace to you from God, who calls us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. I am the Revd Dr Elaine Colechin, and I currently minister in Southeast London serving Bromley United Reformed Church. I am also undertaking some Synod-directed work that is looking at the presence of the URC in one of the deprived areas of the Borough of Bromley. Much of my work focuses on social action within the community—being that physical expression of God’s love for the world. Yet, despite the saying “actions speak louder than words,” the sharing of our faith does require more than actions. We are called by God to speak as well as act. To speak like the prophets of the Old Testament, whose messages of the coming of the Messiah are a central theme for the second Sunday of Advent, does not feel appropriate in the world today. There is more than enough doom and gloom, the people do not need to hear anymore. However, when you dig down into the words of the prophets, ultimately, there is a message of hope. Therefore, how do we share that hope that comes from being in relationship with God through Jesus Christ, while drawing attention to the requirements on our side in that relationship? Our scriptures today lead us to explore these questions. First let us hear the words of the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, as we open ourselves up to God through our worship.
Words of Scripture
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:3-11
Hymn Angels Voices Ever Singing
Francis Pott (1861) Public Domain Sung by the One Voice Choir, Ghana
Angel voices ever singing round Thy throne of light,
angel harps, forever ringing, rest not day nor night;
thousands only live to bless Thee and confess thee Lord of might.
Yea, we know Thy love rejoices o'er each work of Thine;
Thou didst ears & hands & voices for Thy praise combine;
craftsman's art & music's measure for Thy pleasure didst design.
In Thy house Great God we offer of Thine own to Thee;
and for Thine acceptance proffer, all unworthily,
hearts & minds & hands & voices in our choicest Psalmody.
Honour, glory, might, and merit Thine shall ever be,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, blessed Trinity:
of the best that Thou hast given earth and heaven render Thee.
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
With all of creation, mighty God, we praise and thank you
for the good news that is ours through Jesus Christ.
Thank you that through your grace
and the work of the Holy Spirit within us
we can know your love more deeply
and be inspired to share it with others.
However, we know are hearts are not always pure,
that at times we are far from our best selves
and our actions and words do not tally.
Forgive us as we sing with Zechariah
your promise to us and pray for our deliverance.
Benedictus / The Song of Zechariah
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who has come to his people and set them free.
The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through the holy prophets God promised of old
to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us,
to show mercy to our forebears,
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.
And you child shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Prayer of Supplication
Righteous God, wake us with the dawn
free from fear and doubt of the sins
that holds us back from living our best lives for you.
Unseal our lips and fill us with the Holy Spirit
so that we might praise you with our whole beings
and share that eternal hope
you have given us through Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with you
as Saviour of all. Amen
Hymn On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
John Chandler; Author: Charles Coffin Sung by the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church (Michigan) Virtual Choir and used with their kind permission.
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every life from sin:
make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare
for Christ to come and enter there.
We hail you as our Saviour, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward.
Without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine
and fill the world with love divine.
All praise to you, eternal Son,
whose advent has our freedom won,
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Spirit, evermore.
Reading Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Reading St Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’
Sermon
How prepared are you?
Advent would not be Advent if preparation was not mentioned at least once. With us being through the first full week of December, the days are quickly ticking down to making sure everything is ready for how ever we might be celebrating the big day this year. How prepared we might be feeling will soon be measurable by how many Christmas cards we have written and actually managed to send. Life, at this time of year, becomes consumed with readiness, or lack of it. However, when the prophets called the people to prepare for the coming of the Lord, do you think they meant all that exhausts us during December? Of course not, but despite the panic buying and endless lists, what we are doing is far the easiest way for us to prepare for the day of our Lord!
Now, for those of us ensconced in the life of the Church, it is very easy to come to the season of Advent and think, “here is an opportune time to tell the world about Jesus!” Therefore, we set about telling the world of the hope brought with Jesus’s birth and sharing its joy. Through Nativity plays, carol singing with mince pies and the unwrapping of the Christmas story, we stand on our chaotic streets trying to do as John the Baptist did in the wilderness—make the way to God clear, and possibly even prepare people to meet God! And there is nothing wrong with this; if we cannot tell the world about Jesus ahead of Christmas, then we have a serious problem because trying to do at Easter is even harder. But, on this second Sunday of Advent, the words of the prophets do not just suggest that it is the world that needs to be told of what Jesus’s coming was all about—the church itself needs to be reminded that Jesus will come again!
When we hear the words of the prophets Malachi and Isaiah together, they contain very similar thoughts. There will be someone who will come before God’s arrival who will prepare the people for what God will do when God comes. Also, when God comes, God will purify the land and its people, bringing justice. However, Malachi highlights a particular tribe of Israel—the tribe of Levi—those who were the priests of Israel.
A simplistic reading of the message Malachi was bringing to the people of Israel in his prophecy is that God promised a reversal of the people’s fortunes if the priesthood changed their ways. Obviously, there was more to what Malachi was saying than this—it was not just the priests at fault. They were, however, the people who looked after the physical covenant—those stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written. They were the people who, when the Temple was central to Jewish rites and rituals, ensured they were administered rightly. They were the people who should have known better and lived accordingly.
Anyone feeling a little uncomfortable on hearing this? This might sound a little harsh, but I hope those of us who see ourselves as God’s representatives through our membership of God’s church, are feeling uneasy. Just as Malachi was pointing out to the priests, our words and actions as God’s church do need to reflect one another. Do not panic, though, the glitter that we have covered Advent with does not need to be swept up and exchanged for sackcloth and ashes. However, we might need to add some camel hair, just to keep us sharp!
It was no consequence that John the Baptist was the son of a priest and, therefore, a descendent of the tribe of Levi. John may not have followed his father into the temple as would have been expected of him, but that did not mean that he did not live out that calling of a priest—one who lived faithfully in accordance with God’s covenant. Rather he did so demonstrating the shift that would come with Jesus and asking the difficult questions of everyone, including himself, about one’s readiness for that new era.
By challenging the priesthood, Malachi sets before us that no one is beyond God’s justice. In the context of the book of Malachi, God’s justice related to judgement. Malachi was saying that being a priest did not make one immune to God’s wrath. Words we seriously have to heed as the church. Justice, however, is also about how one lives—the moral code we hold to which for Malachi, Isaiah and John was God’s. Again, something that we have to take seriously as the church and not just in our preaching!
This brings us to John’s call for repentance. As we will discover next Sunday when we hear some of John’s preaching on the banks of the Jordon as recalled by the gospel writer of Luke, there is no escaping language that is condemning. We find John living up to the idea that he was not just one of the priestly people, he was a true prophet. When it comes to repentance and the world’s need for salvation, it is not hard to see how one’s passion for everyone to hear turns quickly to everyone being condemned. Here, though, as an uncomfortable church, knowing that we are as much in the wrong as everyone else, we have an advantage and the ability to change the heard rhetoric. In reflecting on are worthiness before God, we can interpret John’s words and share the compassion of God he was sharing with the people. In turn this knowledge allows us to show the way to God so that those who do not know can approach God with open hearts.
In preparation, what then does this mean for the Church?
As those in the know, both Malachi and John are, as we reflect on their words, questioning the church about how things stand between us and God. As with the temple priests and other religious leaders, the church and its members are being called to own their own imperfections. With the world, we are being asked where is God present in our lives and how are we honouring that presence?
Luckily, this self-reflection is not only encouraged in the season of Advent or what might seem more fitting, the season of Lent. In our worship, the church is encouraged to lay itself open before God and let go of what might be holding it back. We are urged to look upon the empty cross, see the open tomb and be reminded of God’s immense love and grace for all of humanity despite its imperfections and flaws. Through our worship, our readiness and willingness to let God remodel us, maybe even refine us, should be nurtured.
At the beginning of our service, we heard the apostle Paul’s prayer for the church in Philippi. Paul, as he gave thanks to God for the Church, congratulated the church in its sharing of the gospel. Yet, for the church’s welfare and its ability to keep doing what it was doing, Paul prayed for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the church’s openness so it could do better and live according to God’s justice.
How much do we, as the church, need that prayer as we take on the mantle of John to prepare the way for the coming of Christ?
This Advent, how prepared are we to own our imperfections before God? How prepared are we to hear the words of the prophets and know they are as much for us as for the rest of the world? How prepared are we to receive Christ again?
In our making ready and our excitement to share the good news of the angels, let us keep an ear open to the prophets so that we all will see the glory of God. Amen
Hymn Make way, make way, for Christ the King
Graham Kendrick © 1986, Thankyou Music Frodsham Methodist Church Cloud Choir. Accompanied by Andrew Ellams and produced by Andrew Emison and used with their kind permission
Make way, make way!For Christ the King
in splendour arrives.
Fling wide the gates and welcome Him
into your lives
And those who mourn with heavy hearts,
who weep and sigh,
with laughter, joy and royal crown
He’ll beautify
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings (For the King of kings)
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
And let His kingdom in
He comes the broken hearts to heal;
the prisoners to free.
The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance,
the blind shall see!
We call you now to worship Him
as Lord of all;
to have no gods before Him -
their thrones must fall!
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
For the King of kings (For the King of kings)
Make way! (Make way!) Make way! (Make way!)
And let His kingdom in
Affirmation of Faith
‘Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great …’ yet this Advent, let us proclaim the faith of the Church universal which the coming of Christ made possible.
We believe in God as parent,
creator and protector,
root of all being.
We believe in Jesus Christ—
God in our midst—
coming as that fragile promise
of a baby yet to be born
and whose birth was heralded with hope.
Who John the Baptist announced
would turn the world upside down
seeing deep into the human heart
separating the wheat from the chaff
and the sheep from the goats.
Yet who passed through the grip of death
so all might know justice and peace—
God’s gifts of mercy and compassion
far beyond our human understanding.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
implanter of truth,
who brings us to birth as the body of Christ,
holds us together,
and empowers us to confront and transform
all that is wrong in our lives and the world
for the glory of God
who draws near, who is always near
and who promises to come near again. Amen
Prayers of Intercession
Gracious God,
as your church strives to be better,
as it endeavours to be the true example,
Jesus commissioned it to be,
of right living in you,
we pray that you will shine on those who find themselves in darkness
and in that land of shadows between life and death.
We pray for the many conflicts of this world,
for the innocent lives that are being destroyed
because of corruption, a hunger for power,
in justification of a position whether true or false.
silence
We pray for the communities of which we are a part,
for those difficult relationships, hidden realities,
the mountain which is injustice within society.
silence
We pray for all those who are ill,
close to death, grieving,
or who find themselves in one of life’s deep valleys
unable to see the way through.
silence
You call your church to be that voice in the wilderness of life,
to tell of your mercy and love, speak up for justice,
making your way in the world clear.
Therefore, we pray for all those
with political and financial power in the world;
our nation’s governments,
local councils and assemblies.
May a heart for change use knowledge wisely
to bring about equity and understanding.
silence
And we pray for ourselves as your church,
for the unconscious bias that is within us
and how that can shape our openness to the world.
As we prepare to celebrate your coming,
Jesus Christ, pour your Holy Spirit upon us
to refine our view of the world
and guide our feet on your path
leading others to a life with you and in you.
All these prayers, and many more that will go unsaid today,
we offer in and through the prayer you taught the disciples
which as your church we pray together:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen
Offertory
Aware of God’s power — God’s ability to change hearts and minds—
we prepare to make our offering to God.
Refining God, you can take all that we offer
and turn it into something better.
Though what we bring might feel limited, not worthy of your greatness,
as we prepare the world and ourselves for your coming,
make these offerings mighty proclaiming your glory for all
through Jesus Christ. Amen
Hymn Hills of the North, Rejoice
Charles Earnest Oakley public domain performed by Ruth and Joy Everingham and used with their kind permission.
Hills of the North, rejoice,
river and mountain-spring,
hark to the advent voice;
valley and lowland, sing.
Christ comes in righteousness and love,
he brings salvation from above.
Isles of the Southern seas,
sing to the listening earth,
carry on every breeze
hope of a world's new birth:
in Christ shall all be made anew,
his word is sure, his promise true.
Lands of the east, arise,
he is your brightest morn,
greet him with joyous eyes,
let praise his path adorn:
your seers have longed to know their Lord;
to you he comes, the final word.
Shores of the utmost West,
lands of the setting sun,
welcome the heavenly guest
in whom the dawn has come:
he brings a never-ending light
who triumphed o'er our darkest night.
Shout, as you journey home,
songs be in every mouth,
lo, from the North they come,
from East and West and South:
in Jesus all shall find their rest,
in him the universe be blest.
Dismissal and Blessing
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way, to give knowledge of salvation to all people.
Go then, with God’s call ringing in your ears and hearts open to God’s leading ready and willing to share your knowledge of Christ with all whom you meet.
And the blessing of God, who is eternal, incarnate and abiding,
go with you and remain with you this Advent and beyond. Amen
--> Where words are copyright reproduced and streamed under the terms of ONE LICENSE A-734713
PRS Limited Online Music Licence LE-0019762
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URC Daily Devotion 8 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion 8 December 2024
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8 December 2024
Psalm 60
O God, you have rejected us and broken us.
You have been angry; come back to us.
You have made the earth quake, torn it open.
Repair what is shattered for it sways.
You have inflicted hardships on your people
and made us drink a wine that dazed us.
You have given those who fear you a signal
to flee from the enemy's bow.
O come, and deliver your friends,
help with your right hand and reply.
From his holy place God has made this promise;
"I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,
I will measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine and Manasseh,
Ephraim I take for my helmet,
Judah for my commander's staff.
Moab I will use for my washbowl;
on Edom I will plant my shoe.
Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph."
But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?
Who will bring me face to face with Edom?
Will you utterly reject us, O God,
and no longer march with our armies?
Give us help against the foe:
for human help is vain.
With God we shall do bravely
and he will trample down our foes.
Reflection
Here in Orkney there’s both great pride in our island chain and a deep sense of being connected to the land with changing seasons and light, movement of animals through their life cycles, and the migratory patterns of so many birds. For many here the identity as an Orcadian is greater than a national identity of being Scottish. For both Orkney and Israel the land provides identity, sustenance, and protection. (The Norse name for the port of Stromness means “safe harbour” which makes perfect sense if you’ve ever experienced our waters in the winter!)
For ancient Israel, and for many contemporary Jewish people, the connection to the Land was and is important. The need to be secure, to connect with those who had gone before, and to find one’s place under the sun are vitally important.
Of course then, as now, the land of Israel is a contested place which makes reading this Psalm difficult. It is a corporate prayer of national distress. We’re not that sure of the geography of all the places mentioned and get a bit overwhelmed and then the theology is rather grim - God’s people tend to do more trampling than God’s own self! It’s not clear if the poem was composed in the face of the changing military fortunes which beset ancient Israel or if it was a liturgical prayer to be used on an annual basis.
The irony is that this Psalm, set in ancient Israel, could be prayed now by any number of oppressed people whose land, identity, and very lives are threatened. Its subject matter now is powerful to the displaced in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon. So today we think of our connection to the Land; our sense of identity and security and pray for those displaced by greed, history, and ideology.
Prayer
Teach us, good Lord,
that You utterly reject, not us, but our violence.
Teach us, pain bearing Lord,
to find our security and identity in You alone.
Teach us, life-giving Lord,
to work for peace and justice.
Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Andy Braunston is the URC’s Minster for Digital Worship and a member of the Peedie Kirk URC in Kirkwall. Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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Psalm 60
O God, you have rejected us and broken us.
You have been angry; come back to us.
You have made the earth quake, torn it open.
Repair what is shattered for it sways.
You have inflicted hardships on your people
and made us drink a wine that dazed us.
You have given those who fear you a signal
to flee from the enemy's bow.
O come, and deliver your friends,
help with your right hand and reply.
From his holy place God has made this promise;
"I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,
I will measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine and Manasseh,
Ephraim I take for my helmet,
Judah for my commander's staff.
Moab I will use for my washbowl;
on Edom I will plant my shoe.
Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph."
But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?
Who will bring me face to face with Edom?
Will you utterly reject us, O God,
and no longer march with our armies?
Give us help against the foe:
for human help is vain.
With God we shall do bravely
and he will trample down our foes.
Reflection
Here in Orkney there’s both great pride in our island chain and a deep sense of being connected to the land with changing seasons and light, movement of animals through their life cycles, and the migratory patterns of so many birds. For many here the identity as an Orcadian is greater than a national identity of being Scottish. For both Orkney and Israel the land provides identity, sustenance, and protection. (The Norse name for the port of Stromness means “safe harbour” which makes perfect sense if you’ve ever experienced our waters in the winter!)
For ancient Israel, and for many contemporary Jewish people, the connection to the Land was and is important. The need to be secure, to connect with those who had gone before, and to find one’s place under the sun are vitally important.
Of course then, as now, the land of Israel is a contested place which makes reading this Psalm difficult. It is a corporate prayer of national distress. We’re not that sure of the geography of all the places mentioned and get a bit overwhelmed and then the theology is rather grim - God’s people tend to do more trampling than God’s own self! It’s not clear if the poem was composed in the face of the changing military fortunes which beset ancient Israel or if it was a liturgical prayer to be used on an annual basis.
The irony is that this Psalm, set in ancient Israel, could be prayed now by any number of oppressed people whose land, identity, and very lives are threatened. Its subject matter now is powerful to the displaced in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon. So today we think of our connection to the Land; our sense of identity and security and pray for those displaced by greed, history, and ideology.
Prayer
Teach us, good Lord,
that You utterly reject, not us, but our violence.
Teach us, pain bearing Lord,
to find our security and identity in You alone.
Teach us, life-giving Lord,
to work for peace and justice.
Amen.
--> Today's writer The Revd Andy Braunston is the URC’s Minster for Digital Worship and a member of the Peedie Kirk URC in Kirkwall. Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion 7 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion 7 December 2024
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7 December 2024
St Luke 5: 12 - 16
Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
Reflection
We have been reading Luke in one of my church’s Bible study groups and this time, I’ve appreciated how Luke, the Doctor, uses his medical training to report and observe Jesus’s ministry.
Like many of the reported healing stories, this one reminds us, if we reach out to Jesus, he willingly turns our courage in making ourselves vulnerable into welcome and healing. And that healing is reciprocal, Jesus does not heal from afar, he heals by coming alongside us, by touching those who are diseased or considered unclean, risking the same fate for himself. This type of healing demands vulnerability and courage from the healer too.
And he heals us completely at every level. By sending this man to the temple, presumably something he could not do when he was physically unwell, he is restored not just in body but to his place in the community. Although Jesus knows this risks unwanted attention, he considers this man’s full restoration more important. This is an entire person not a patient with multiple, unrelated symptoms. Luke, the physician, clearly sees the importance of this compassionate and wholistic approach to wellness offered by Jesus.
And linked is the almost throwaway line in verse 16, telling us Jesus both healing a lot of people and often took time out alone. Anyone who gives of themselves whether offering a sympathetic ear or as a full time carer, knows this can be simultaneously rewarding and draining. Jesus leads by example showing that carers also need to care for themselves. He takes some time with God to replenish himself. So many, who offer themselves in serving the church, whether volunteers or ministers, put themselves at risk of burnout. This example of Christ, carefully noted by Luke, reminds us there is another way.
Prayer
Compassionate God,
we thank you that you are interested in our lives
and want us to be wholly healed people
We bring before you today those in need of healing,
that they might have rest and restoration of body and soul.
We pray for all who serve you,
that they take time to strengthen and refresh themselves
so they can better serve your Kingdom
so that all may live life to the full. Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Lisa Moore Wilson, Minister in the Cumbria Missional Partnership of NW Synod Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 5: 12 - 16
Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
Reflection
We have been reading Luke in one of my church’s Bible study groups and this time, I’ve appreciated how Luke, the Doctor, uses his medical training to report and observe Jesus’s ministry.
Like many of the reported healing stories, this one reminds us, if we reach out to Jesus, he willingly turns our courage in making ourselves vulnerable into welcome and healing. And that healing is reciprocal, Jesus does not heal from afar, he heals by coming alongside us, by touching those who are diseased or considered unclean, risking the same fate for himself. This type of healing demands vulnerability and courage from the healer too.
And he heals us completely at every level. By sending this man to the temple, presumably something he could not do when he was physically unwell, he is restored not just in body but to his place in the community. Although Jesus knows this risks unwanted attention, he considers this man’s full restoration more important. This is an entire person not a patient with multiple, unrelated symptoms. Luke, the physician, clearly sees the importance of this compassionate and wholistic approach to wellness offered by Jesus.
And linked is the almost throwaway line in verse 16, telling us Jesus both healing a lot of people and often took time out alone. Anyone who gives of themselves whether offering a sympathetic ear or as a full time carer, knows this can be simultaneously rewarding and draining. Jesus leads by example showing that carers also need to care for themselves. He takes some time with God to replenish himself. So many, who offer themselves in serving the church, whether volunteers or ministers, put themselves at risk of burnout. This example of Christ, carefully noted by Luke, reminds us there is another way.
Prayer
Compassionate God,
we thank you that you are interested in our lives
and want us to be wholly healed people
We bring before you today those in need of healing,
that they might have rest and restoration of body and soul.
We pray for all who serve you,
that they take time to strengthen and refresh themselves
so they can better serve your Kingdom
so that all may live life to the full. Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Lisa Moore Wilson, Minister in the Cumbria Missional Partnership of NW Synod Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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URC Daily Devotion 6 December 2024
96
URC Daily Devotion 6 December 2024
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6 December 2024
St Luke 5: 1 - 11
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Reflection
I don’t know if you’re watching the series ‘The Chosen’ (if not, I highly recommend it), but I love the portrayal of Peter. In the first episode, we meet him in a fist fight. He’s rough, tough, loves to drink and gamble and he’s not above cheating.
He loves his wife, Eden, and we see he’s got a good heart. He’s simply trying to make a life in a hard world, but he's not what the religious leaders would call a ‘good’ Jew. He’s not as scrupulous about keeping sabbath as he could be. He even comes to an arrangement with the Roman occupiers about grassing up fellow Jews who are avoiding taxes. All in all, I can see why Eden’s brothers aren’t keen on their ne’er-do-well brother-in-law.
And then Jesus arrives on the scene. And the carpenter tells the fisherman how to fish. I imagine that Peter’s words were a bit more fruity than Luke’s demure, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.” I mean, how would you react if you had spent all night in hard, physical labour and got nothing to show for it? You’re tired, hangry, and not a little scared about where the next meal is coming from, and then some bloomin’ handyman strolls up and tells you how to do your job! I’d have been livid! “Who the [bleep] do you think you are? Do I tell you how to fix a [bleep]in’ table leg?”
However, Peter does what Jesus says and suddenly there are fish everywhere. I love Jesus’ laughter as he watches it.
Peter leaps from the boat and kneels at Jesus’ feet. “You don’t know who I am, the things I’ve done,” he says. Jesus smiles. Of course he does. He knew Peter before he was born. He knows about the fighting and the gambling and the everything else.
“Follow me,” says Jesus.
Because in the end, that is all that matters.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I say, “You don’t know who I am, the things I’ve done.”
And you reply, “Of course I do. I’ve always known and love you still.”
I say, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful person.”
And you reply, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
You say, “Follow me.”
And I reply, “Yes, Lord.”
Amen
--> Today's writer Fay Rowland, author, Christ the King C of E, Kettering Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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St Luke 5: 1 - 11
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Reflection
I don’t know if you’re watching the series ‘The Chosen’ (if not, I highly recommend it), but I love the portrayal of Peter. In the first episode, we meet him in a fist fight. He’s rough, tough, loves to drink and gamble and he’s not above cheating.
He loves his wife, Eden, and we see he’s got a good heart. He’s simply trying to make a life in a hard world, but he's not what the religious leaders would call a ‘good’ Jew. He’s not as scrupulous about keeping sabbath as he could be. He even comes to an arrangement with the Roman occupiers about grassing up fellow Jews who are avoiding taxes. All in all, I can see why Eden’s brothers aren’t keen on their ne’er-do-well brother-in-law.
And then Jesus arrives on the scene. And the carpenter tells the fisherman how to fish. I imagine that Peter’s words were a bit more fruity than Luke’s demure, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.” I mean, how would you react if you had spent all night in hard, physical labour and got nothing to show for it? You’re tired, hangry, and not a little scared about where the next meal is coming from, and then some bloomin’ handyman strolls up and tells you how to do your job! I’d have been livid! “Who the [bleep] do you think you are? Do I tell you how to fix a [bleep]in’ table leg?”
However, Peter does what Jesus says and suddenly there are fish everywhere. I love Jesus’ laughter as he watches it.
Peter leaps from the boat and kneels at Jesus’ feet. “You don’t know who I am, the things I’ve done,” he says. Jesus smiles. Of course he does. He knew Peter before he was born. He knows about the fighting and the gambling and the everything else.
“Follow me,” says Jesus.
Because in the end, that is all that matters.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I say, “You don’t know who I am, the things I’ve done.”
And you reply, “Of course I do. I’ve always known and love you still.”
I say, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful person.”
And you reply, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
You say, “Follow me.”
And I reply, “Yes, Lord.”
Amen
--> Today's writer Fay Rowland, author, Christ the King C of E, Kettering Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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Thursday 5 December 2024 The Revd Jacky Embrey,
96
Thursday 5 December 2024 The Revd Jacky Embrey,
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--> Today's writer The Revd Jacky Embrey, retired minister, member of Kendal URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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Thursday 5 December 2024
St Luke 4: 42 - 44
At daybreak Jesus departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.
Reflection
Early in his ministry, Jesus preached in his home synagogue at Nazareth. There he was forcefully rejected. At that point, he could have given up his ministry and gone back to the trade he knew. After all, he was presumably the head of the family by then, and family ties can be a very strong pull. However, Jesus knew that God was calling him to a wider ministry.
So Jesus moved on to Capernaum, the home of his new friend Simon, where he was received very differently. There they marvelled at his authority. There he healed many people. There the crowd clamoured for him to stay
Jesus could have stayed there, comfortable in the acclaim of the people. He could still have carried on preaching and teaching, healing and sharing. However, Jesus knew that his calling was wider than this. He had to go on to other places and other things, leaving behind the security of this place where he had found acceptance.
These are only a couple of the many decision points in Jesus’ life. Earlier he had decided to stay in Nazareth, until he was ready to go into the wilderness and to ask for baptism by John. It can be easy to forget that a decision not to do anything new is as much a decision as the most radical change.
One of our greatest temptations is to stick with the status quo, not risking anything that might disturb us or those whom we love. Jesus was not one to stick to the status quo, however comfortable it might be. Jesus knew that there was a decision to be made each day about where his calling might be taking him next. We too must continue to ask what we are called to next, especially if we are comfortable where we are today.
Prayer
Living and loving God,
We praise you that you know and love each of us,
and that you call each of us to play our part
in your mission here on earth.
Open our hearts and minds to hear your call afresh each day.
Help us, when it is your will, to let go of the familiar and comfortable
and to journey to pastures new with you.
Thanks be to God
Amen
--> Today's writer The Revd Jacky Embrey, retired minister, member of Kendal URC Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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Wednesday 4 December 2024 The Revd Jenny Mills,
96
Wednesday 4 December 2024 The Revd Jenny Mills,
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Wednesday 4 December 2024
St Luke 4: 38 - 40
After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.
Reflection
Two of my favourite films when my children were little were Shark Tale and Bee Movie. One tells of a shark hiding his real identity just to fit in and the other a bee who makes a connection to the human world and saves the bees. Both are stories that can be taken at a variety of different levels. Both have real challenges to us in society as well as entertainment.
When I first read this story, I felt my feminist sensibilities bristle as Jesus heals a woman who then got up and fed everyone! Why did those around her let it happen? I read again, and also read the rest of the chapter, and the context is Jesus busy healing, teaching, getting a radical reputation; she was part of the story about his actions in healing and restoring her to her rightful place. His actions brought wellbeing and new hope. Reading again I see the significance of his coming from the synagogue (as a faithful Jew), and him showing that his love and healing extends to all - from those he had never met, to those alongside whom he journeyed. This text, like the films, is full of so much.
So often we can encounter a text and make a swift decision about what it means or use it, read at a surface level, to criticize, condemn, justify or persuade. The joy of the biblical texts is their depth, complexity, structure and purpose, we have something to learn from them all. Each text speaks at a variety of levels.
Approaching texts with our ears, eyes and hearts open, taking time to listen, reflect and respond allows for greater learning and better understanding. Context and meaning enriches our reading - not ‘did it happen like this’ but ‘what does it mean’ - leads us to exciting and interesting places and allows us to develop a deeper appreciation of texts, stories, ourselves and God.
Prayer
Loving God,
as we approach the texts and stories of the Bible,
help us to appreciate all that is in them and how it can speak to us.
Help us to look beyond the obvious and allow our preconceptions to be challenged and our prejudices to be confronted.
Then, as we open ourselves to your Word, may we sit with, be immersed in, and changed by, the words we encounter. And then go on, inspired to live and love in your name.
Amen.
--> Today's writer
The Revd Jenny Mills, Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship), Member at Church Without Walls, Milton Keynes.
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Tuesday 3 December 2024 The Revd Ruth Whitehead,
96
Tuesday 3 December 2024 The Revd Ruth Whitehead,
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Tuesday 3 December 2024
St Luke 4: 31 - 37
He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.
Reflection
Any of us who have suffered from mental ill health might struggle with this description of Jesus casting out an unclean spirit from this man in Capernaum. But before we turn the page and hurry away, let’s see what the experience is of the man who is unwell.
Jesus relieves him of his suffering, and he emerges whole and unharmed. This is a miracle - the first miracle Luke records – a miracle of healing and a sign of the total authority Jesus commands. Perhaps it helps to look at the miracle and not get too bogged down in the language of unclean spirits.
We could define any miracle as ‘a thing causing wonder’: the healing Jesus offers fills us with wonder and makes us long to know healing for ourselves.
Luke tells us that the people of Capernaum are struck by the authority of Jesus’ teaching – and then they see the authority and power with which Jesus heals this man’s affliction. Jesus is the one whose teaching and healing is delivered with both care and authority.
There is something about the way Jesus speaks to the man which produces the miracle of his healing: he speaks with authority and power.
We who follow Jesus should not shrink away from speaking with the authority of the one we follow. When I was deep in the throes of postpartum psychosis, my healing began with the authoritative words of my minister “you will get through this”. To be reassured, to be believed in, to be spoken to with confidence and authority made a huge difference to my healing.
We should not speak out against medical advice or advise people to turn away from professional help: but what we say can reinforce a journey of healing by speaking authoritatively of God’s care and the presence of the Holy Spirit as comforter, as revealed by Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Lord God of all that is good,
we thank you for Jesus’ authority over illness.
Give us, who follow Jesus,
the courage to speak with his authority,
and help each other to wholeness.
In the name of Jesus. Amen
--> Today's writer
The Revd Ruth Whitehead, Minister Landsker Pastorate
Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.Want to change how you receive these emails? You can
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Monday 2 December 2024 Kirsty-Ann Mabbott,
96
Monday 2 December 2024 Kirsty-Ann Mabbott,
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Monday 2 December 2024
St Luke 4: 22 - 30
All spoke well of Jesus and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.”’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Reflection
Sometimes it can be hard going home when you have journeyed, grown and changed because when you get back, people only see you as you were not as you are now. The problem is when you point out you have changed, the folk at home get angry and this can be for a number of reasons; they could be jealous that you have grown and changed and they are still the same, they might be in disbelief that you can truly change, they might feel that you are rubbing it in their faces as if you are better than them.
I know from my own experience that sometimes when I get into disagreements with my sister she will get angry if she thinks I am speaking with “fancy, educated words” to make her feel stupid, and if I try and explain that I am not doing it deliberately, it makes her angrier. Sometimes, there is no winning. I think this is the situation that Jesus is facing here, regardless of what he does, it will be wrong because folk have become intractable.
As a church we need to ensure that we do not fall foul of this. As Jesus followers, we must always be open to change and growth, challenge and inspiration. We must always be prepared to also welcome back and uplift those who have journeyed and changed and accept that they are not who they were and they have something wonderful to offer to the church locally, regionally and nationally as well as in the community.
Prayer
Teacher God
You are always lifting us up,
teaching, training, encouraging
and inspiring us to be better disciples.
Let us not become intractable to the changes in others
that keeps them small so that we feel better about ourselves,
but encourage us to rejoice in their growing
and celebrate their deeper commitment
to your kin-dom of now and not yet.
Amen.
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Kirsty-Ann Mabbott, Church Related Community Worker, United Reformed Church
Copyright New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Copyright © 2024 United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.
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