Advent Twenty Four - Joy

 

Living to reflect God's glory, by Petrina Kent
Credit: petrinakent.com

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1: 68 to 75

Zechariah knew the whole story.  How did he know it? It was given to him though an amazing experience.  Wonderful incredible experiences fill us with joy.  These are things that just unfold.  They can not really be constructed or manufactured.  Jesus is born into our world as a part of the amazing story which has a beginning, middle and end.  In the end, all the problems of today are corrected.  We believe Jesus came as the central part of this correcting.  One little infant.  Enough for us all.  Zechariah did not really know what he was talking about.  "Rescue us from our enemies." We know the enemy to be the darkness that separates us from joy. 

PRAYER: We wait patiently through the night because salvation comes in the morning.

Advent Twenty Three - As a Child

Children of Calais by Ian Wolter.
In Dorset House Gardens, Saffron Walden.

 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 

“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.  Matthew 18 1-5

We all know that there is something wonderful about little children.  "Change, and become like a little child."  Little children live for today.  They look out of their eyes at the world, and forget about themselves.  When they do remember themselves, they tend to be open and honest.  Their failings are plain to see.  They can love anyone.  They tend not to be interested in expensive things, but have attachments to simple things, such as sticks or feathers. 

Little children wear their heart on their sleeve.  They laugh, cry, love and  delight in simple things, such as tiny creatures, or puddles.

Once when I was looking after the under 5's at church, Joshua. Andre's son, looked into my ear (I was sitting on the floor) he pulled on the protruding hair and said 'you've got as beard in your ear'. 

PRAYER: I come to you with simple faith and trust that I need nothing else other than to live with you.

Children of Calais is a replication of the famous Rodin sculpture called the burgers of Calais (1898).  One statue is outside Calais' Marie, and the other is in the Gardens at the Palace of Westminster.

Advent Twenty Two - Balance

Annan Affotey
Credit: yellowzine.com

Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Teacher, what is it?” Simon replied.

Jesus told him, “Two people were in debt to a moneylender. One of them owed him 500 silver coins, and the other owed him 50. Since neither of them could pay him back, the moneylender said that they didn't have to pay him anything. Which one of them will like him more?”

Simon answered, “I suppose it would be the one who had owed more and didn't have to pay it back.”

“You are right,” Jesus said.

He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn't give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You didn't greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You didn't even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7: 40-49

When Jesus met Simon the Pharisees he looked him square in the eyes.  Against his better judgement, Simon knew that Jesus was special, and he wanted to get close to him.  It's hard to imagine a contemporary encounter.  I think it might be like a successful politician, or a rich successful entrepreneur.  They will be used to people fawning and desperately wanting to see them.  Jesus did not.  He treated Simon in a similar way to everyone else.  He was civil and friendly, but he did not given Simon any more, or any less because of his status.  He also pointed out to Simon that the way Simon was treating him was dishonouring.  Mary Magdalene in contrast showed Jesus that she knew his worth.  Jesus was touched.  We can follow Jesus' example....and Mary's. 

PRAYER: I honour you by bowing at your feet.  I love you with my whole heart.

Advent Twenty One - Power

Sugar Silo I (2014) Zineb Sendira
Credit: Contemporyand.com

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3 verses 10-12

The point of this verse is that power works well when the source is pure.  Also in is pretty much true that pure spring water is going to always be pure spring water, because it's source is deep down and safe from pollution.  When our source of life comes from the creator of the universe, it will also be pure.  We have the power to hurt, offend, deceive....but our inclination is not to do this, but to honour, encourage.  Also to speak the truth with love.

 PRAYER: I seek to live close to you so that the source of your purity affects every part of my life.

Advent Twenty - Uniqueness

Monzzana, Tuscany - Ponte della Maddalena
Credit: Lifebeyondtourism.org 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. - 1Peter 2 verse 9

I once worked with someone who told me that she was having 'compatibility counselling' with her new partner.  It made me think whether men and women were ever compatible?  (There are other types of relationship of course.)

I asked this again at a marriage conference.  "What do you make of the concept of compatibility?"

I was gratified to hear- yes, compatibility is a 'red herring'  We are all similar and different to each other.  The key is whether we are prepared to love one another, and consider the others needs as slightly more important than our own.  If we both do this, we are like the arches of a bridge that rest together in mutual support. We are compatible when we both have this foundation.

We are unique, and in friendship, we bring our unique qualities and mix them with others, creating something new that can only happen though this creation.

PRAYER: You have made me unique for a purpose.  I need to be who you have made me.

Advent Nineteen - Communion

Supper at Emmaus, by Caravaggio
National Gallery, London

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.  But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 28-32

Everytime orthodox Jews gather to eat, they celebrate 'communion'.  They remember, just as they have always been asked to remember. Muslims also have a number of customs and traditions that help them to be grounded in the greatness of God.   

we meet together we also remember.  It is part of being a community.  We remember absent friends.  We remember how fortunate we are.  Let us remember how necessary the coming of Christ into this world is for us.  We celebrate with a 'present' friend.  This is the greatest blessing.

PRAYER:  We honour and worship you this advent as the one who as come to 'dwell amongst us."

Advent Eighteen - Singleton

 

Painting by Kathy Durdin
Credit: kathydurdin.com

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—  and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.  I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. 1Corinthians 7: verse 32 to 35

It is interesting that there are monks and nuns in most societies around the globe.  There is a choice.  Both are fine.  Paul thought that in his particular time, singleness was more straightforward.  I have come across a number of young people who choose not to have children, because they are fearful for the current state of the world, and whether child will be suffering due to climate change and possible war.

I see Paul's thoughts as echoing the message from the creation story.  The Creator intended to have a sole relationship with one person.  That person could not cope with this, and pined for a partner.  The Creator took pity, and much like a parent, knew that their child would break that promise that every child makes to their parents, that they will never leave.  

There is something special about being fully content to be the person we are.  Any change will open different doors, with different challenges and blessings.  

PRAYER:  I put you first in my life, and then those I love, and myself, but in close order. 

Advent Seventeen - Reciprocity

 

Dreamer, by Jo Burton
University of Chester

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”  John 14 15 - 21

Reciprocity describes the interaction between us all that creates new everything. Fresh and original, like a baby.  As chemicals mix and react: as instruments blend music; as debates shift ideology.  New things are created.  We follow Christ, not so much because we are commanded to, but because it is our desire.  It is what we want from the bottom of our heart.  And so the interaction between us creates something new and invigorating.  It is seen in new ways of understanding, new insights, new strength and determination, new experiences of joy.

PRAYER:  Everyday I walk with you I am see more clearly, and love you more dearly.

"I am the vine: you are the branches." 

Advent Sixteen - Remember your First Love

Falling in Love , Meredith B
Credit: Saatchiart.com

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Revelation 2: 1-4

Having just been to a wedding, there is nothing in the world like 'first love'.  We saw the bridegroom weeping as his bride walked down the isle towards him.  It was very moving.  The joy in their eyes was wonderfully attractive.  How do we know if we have met someone who knows the Lord, when we do not share their language?  We see and feel the joy, which we share.

PRAYER:   May our love be the energy in our relationship.

Advent Fifteen - Community

 

Electric Desert by Andrew Fearnside
www.andrewfearnside.com/the-electric-desert 
Offcenter Arts

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4 verses 32 to 35

From time to time communities have enacted this example.  The monastic life take inspiration from these verses.  To have nothing, and to share is an amazing thing.  To be freed from things, and to put the community first.  Community is an act of the will.  In the same way, loneliness is a complex feeling.  I can be surrounded by people and feel lonely.  I can be by myself and feel completely content. 

Community creates something unique through the interactions that go on.  Communities (like gangs- or even 'The Mafia'), are strong because of the unity of mind, will and purpose.  This is why the way to bring down anyone is to sow division.  The spirit of God brings unity and strength.

PRAYER:  I look to the unity of your family to give me the strength I need.

Advent Fourteen - Temptation

Making Time by Steve Pleydell Pearce
Credit: Stevepp.co.uk

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the tempter.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Then the tempter took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ " Again, the tempter took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ”

Then the tempter left him, and angels came and attended him.

Let's find time to talk about temptation, because it is intrinsically threaded into our existence on this earth.  Although, who knows, temptation may exist in the next word.  In this world, the balance of power is skewed somewhat.  "There is only one thing I can't resist", said Oscar Wilde, "and that is temptation."

There are period of time when our relationships are tested.  

In "Unconditional Love" by John Powell, Powell notes that the three temptations of Christ typify the three main human self-oriented drives.   The first is to satisfy human cravings.  The second is the giving up responsibility to gain pleasure, and the third to to crave power, status or control. Powell linked these themes to major psychological theories in social psychology at the time.   His argument was that in rejecting these three primal desires, Jesus 'life principle' is the complete opposite, which is to love God, self and others unconditionally.  

Powell, a lecturer in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, wrote powerfully on the nature of love, though sadly his life was marred with allegations of the misuse of power.

PRAYER:  May I know that I am loved, and love so that other know they are loved.

Advent Thirteen - Agape

Joyful Sunday by Seyran Gasparian
On Artsper.com

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:46-48

Perfect love- Agape.  Giving without counting the cost.  Love that looks forward, through open eyes that do not cast back to the self.  Giving that defies the tenants of 'The Self Gene'. Love my enemy.  For me these are people who I view as hopeless at my work, who try to throw their weight around winding people up.  

I see the love of Jesus about me.  When I see it, I feel that Jesus is near.  It is amazing.  The talented young student at church who choose to be with the struggling person with mental illness.  The person who sets up a encouragement group in the local mental hospital.  The person who notices, and reacts when So and So's father is made homeless, and arranges for them to sleep in their living room until he can find a more suitable place to live.  

PRAYER:  May I have the strength to love as you love us.

Advent Twelve - Poverty and Riches

 

An Encounter on the Road to Fantasy,
by Emmanuel Garibay, Singapore Art Museum
Credit myfrienddebbie.com

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Matthew 8 verse 20

Poverty is the terrible injustice of eternity.  No one should be hungry.  No one should be in need.  With the word poverty comes injustice.  To be rich is to oppress the poor.  As with all discrimination (as made visible in this picture}, we all suffer. But Jesus speaks of a different form of poverty and wealth.  Jesus chooses poverty in order to achieve a greater purpose not made possible through wealth.  Poverty of the spirit is as serious as poverty of the body.  We must never be complacent about the poverty around us.  We must never be complacent about spiritual poverty either.

PRAYER:  My eyes are open.  I see my great need for you.

Advent Eleven - Unity

 

Santa Trinità, 1370, Museo Diocesano di Padova

"I and the Father are one.”

Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

“We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’ If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”  John 10 30 - 38

Tricky concept here.  If you were inventing a religion, I somehow think 'three in one' might have been avoided.  Humans have often defined themselves as divine, or have that accolade thrust upon them.  Famously St Paul and St Barnabas despaired when this happened (Acts 14:14).  Sometimes people miss the message about the Creator because of the sensation that surrounds it.  'Simpler' might have been clearer and better.

This baby coming to us.  Looks like a normal baby.  Sounds like a normal baby.  What about it is divine?  Like all of us, it is a vessel in which the Spirit of the Creator resides.  This baby is full of the Creator's spirit already.  Do we let the Spirit in?  This is the gift we are offered.  We reside in a MOB (multi occupancy building).  

PRAYER:  What a privilege to live with the Spirit of the Creator of the Universe.

Advent Ten - Vulnerability

Ravens by Rukmini Reddy Fine Art MA
Credit: Brighton.ac.uk

Elijah Fed by Ravens

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath

Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

“As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 1Kings 17:2-14

Most people across the globe, and across time understand that life is a fragile thing.  "A candle in the wind" says Elton John.  

I recall being very impressed when a youth paster at St Swithin's Church, Bath, ran through the whole of the bible pointing at the many occasions when the line of David was almost extinguished.  Indeed, as soon as Jesus was born, an edict went out to kill all baby boys.  His parents had to flee to Egypt.  But close calls are only that when people do survive and live.  We celebrate the coming of a fragile point of light that will grow into a all consuming fire.  

PRAYER:  I will live my life like Elijah, and the widow of Zarphath.  I know that you provide for me.

Advent Nine - Jealousy

 

Egon Schiele- self Portrait
Leopold Museum, Vienna
credit: arthistoryproject.com

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.  Proverbs 14:30

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.  James 3:16

Jealousy is a canker, that if unchecked, will establish itself, and destroy all joy.  Where does it come from?  We see it in children who vie for attention like the yellow little beaks sticking out of the nest as the parent bird flies in.  It's roots are insecurity and fear.  Just as when we see a dark patch of water on the ceiling, we know we must act swiftly, so too with jealousy, because it will do us no good.  What do we do?  We see that it comes from insecurity; from envy.  The first two brothers in the bible were Cain and Abel.  Cain was jealousy, because he felt the insecurity of his relationship with the Creator.  He saw that Abel's was strong and content.  He lashed out at his brother in a drunken fit of stupidity.  A secure relationship is a solid foundation.  This is what our Creator is offering us.

PRAYER:  Lord I believe.  Help me with my unbelief.

Advent Eight - Marriage

 

The Bridal Pair with the Eiffel Tower
by Marc Chagall
Credit: kingandmcgaw.com

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Oft quoted in weddings, the illusion to three is curious.  As believers we see that the marriage relationship has a third partner.  It is the Creator.  In Genesis, it appears that the Creator's design is for the person to relate solely to them.  But they are lonely, so a partnership is created.  However the original plan is designed to continue.  Two become three.  The image here is of a strong cord.  Another image is of an equilateral  triangle, where the closer I get to the Creator, the closer I also get to my partner, and visa versa.  It's a win-win.

Partnership is covering each other's back.  It is the 'two' becoming one'.  As Esther Rantzen said of the loss of her husband, "I have many wonderful friends who I can do so many wonderful things with.  I have lost the person who I can do nothing with."

PRAYER:  I want to continue to walk with you, as you intended in the garden of Eden.

 

Advent Seven - Siblings

Three Siblings of the Gaddi Family
by Sofonisba Anguissola (Private collection)
Credit familyspirals.org

 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” - Luke 10:38-40

I relate to Martha.  Mary got her priorities right.  'Be with Jesus.'  Lazarus does not get a mention.  He is on his XBOX upstairs no doubt. Jesus can speak freely like this with his friends.  Siblings are stuck with each other, getting on each others nerves.  But Martha is the one with exemplary faith.  She knows Jesus, and perhaps this gentle chiding is part of it.  Later when her brother dies, she scolds Jesus saying "if you had been here sooner, my brother would not of died.  But I know, even now, God will give you whatever you ask."  

Jesus is clearly impressed.  "Your brother will rise again", he says.  She qualifies this. "Surely, on the last day, this is what we believe."  The Jesus says these words- words that strike you to the core.  

"I am the resurrection and the Life.  Those who believe in me will live, even though they die.  Do you believe this?"

"Yes Lord", Martha says, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world."  

No one had yet understood and expressed this like Martha just has.  She is the heroine.

PRAYER: Lord, I believe you can do anything, and I come under the umbrella of your will.

Advent Six - Steadfast and True

 

For Mother by Sasha More
Cedit: Sasha More Fine Art

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

I am think of the wonderful illustrations of steadfast love in literature.  I think of Joe, in Great Expectations.  There is poor Sonya in War and Peace.  Hers is a sad subservient steadfastness.  Other great people are Camden Farebrother in Middlemarch, the vicar who to Eliot symbolised living faith, rather than believing faith.  

Steadfast love is love that is not altered by what other people do.  The Father in the story Jesus' told was the same yesterday, today, and forever.  This is our Creator.  We are so blessed.

PRAYER: I worship you today for your perfect love for me.

Advent Five- dependancy

Madonna Feeding the Christ Child, 1511

by Reymerswaele, Marinus van.

Prado, Madrid.

Credit: mediastorehouse.co.uk

  "God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring'. " Acts 17:27-28

Paul is speaking here to Greeks, and as a literate person, he quotes poetry from the Cretan philosopher Epimenides, and then a local hero to Tarsus, the Cilician Stoic philosopher Aratus.  Very cleaver.  

We are all highly dependent, though some feel it more that others.  Rich western societies appear to be the most dependent.  Switch off the electricity and our whole society grinds to a halt.

Dependency is frowned upon, yet this verse reminds us that just as the sun rises in the morning and gives us life, so our relationship with the Creator fills us everyday with warmth, light and energy.

The Madonna feeding the Christ child symbolises the baby's dependance on it's mother for life.  Jesus went on to become the life giver for all.  We eat his body and drink his blood (reference here breast milk) to keep ourselves alive.

PRAYER:  Everyday I thank you for sustaining me through the night, and being their before me in the morning.

PS Epimenides was famous for his paradox, "All Cretan's are liars".  Now is that true, or is he having us on?

Aratus Phenomena 1-5