Here are my favourite albums of the year in alphabetical order of artist. I haven’t been able to choose an overall favourite as I like them all in their own unique way.
There are several themes and traditions related to the Advent wreath, today we light the Christmas candle, illustrated here with a single white candle.
The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. The third candle symbolises JOY and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. The fourth candle represents PEACE and is called the Angel’s Candle.
This fifth candle represents LOVE and is called Christ’s Candle. In the busy time of Advent and Christmas it’s important to pause and remember the great gift of love that God gave to the world when Jesus was born.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.John 1:1-14
Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the love we have in Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the greatest gift of all that came on the first Christmas, a gift of love wrapped in the vulnerability of a baby, a gift later wrapped in the scars of our human sin on the cross, a gift of love that conquered death. On this Christmas Day, we thank you for loving us enough to send Jesus, fill our hearts and minds with the significance of that truth. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Today is the Fourth Sunday in Advent. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent.
The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. The third candle symbolises JOY and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. The fourth candle represents PEACE and is called the Angel’s Candle. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Prince of Peace. The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace, to bring people closer to God and to each other.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:6-7
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’Luke 2:13-14
When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peacemakers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God. When Christ comes he brings us peace, and everlasting peace when he comes again. We light the candle of peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.
Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the peace we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people from trouble. Give peace in our hearts this Christmas. We ask this as we wait for you to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
Today is the Third Sunday in Advent. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent.
The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. The third candle symbolises JOY and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. To their great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. We light the candle of joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy, and that through him there can be eternal joy in our hearts and lives.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.Luke 2:8-20
Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the joy we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day, to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
Today is the Second Sunday in Advent. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent.
The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. Micah foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which was also the birthplace of King David.
Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”Micah 5:1-2
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.Luke 2:1-7
Faith is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the faith we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David. We remember all those who have been faithful through the centuries. At this busy time, help us to focus on what you are doing, and what you want to accomplish in and through our lives. Give us the faith to follow you every day of our lives and put you first. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
On Advent Sunday (the start of the Christian year) we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning arrival or coming. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent. Advent is a time for preparing for Christ’s second coming, even as we remember and celebrate his first coming at Christmas.
There are several themes related to this traditional wreath, with a variety of colours that sometimes incorporate purple and pink candles.
The first candle symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The prophets of the Old Testament waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.Isaiah 9:2
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:6-7
Advent Sunday is an opportunity to recall the hope we have in Christ. God told Abraham that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed, because he trusted and put his hope in God. The Old Testament spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David. He would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations. We also believe in God’s promise to send Jesus again to this world to establish his kingdom upon the earth.
Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: God of Abraham, the Patriarchs and Prophets of old, you are our Father too. Your love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Son of David. Help us in preparing to celebrate his birth, to make our hearts ready and to place our hope in you. Help us today and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your hope with others. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
Oxford Dictionaries decided that the word post-truth (or is that two words?) should be Word of the Year for 2016. They defined it as an adjective ‘relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief’. Two major news events of 2016 illustrated how untruths (or should I just say lies?) were an illustration of this; namely, the debate prior to the UK referendum vote to leave the European Union and the campaign that resulted in the election of Donald Trump in the United States of America.
Many people were surprised by these two events, and one explanation is the so-called social media bubble. This is a phenomenon which links us to like-minded friends and others, sharing and liking similar news stories, views, and opinions. The algorithms of Facebook (and the like) can decide our friends for us, as those with similar views. Yes, this goes on in the everyday world, but the effect is magnified by the very nature of the medium. It’s like living in an echo chamber.
Many were surprised by Brexit and Trump because they weren’t aware of many people who favoured them. They just weren’t in their circle of friends, or they possibly kept quiet. Add to this the problem of hoaxes, fake news and unreliable quotes, and things can get quite messy. What is truth in a post-truth world after all? Falsehoods are easily spread by people unwilling (or too busy) to make a simple check of their veracity. Google can be your friend, or possibly your false-friend, who knows anymore?
In the space of two days I heard both Brian Eno and Laurie Anderson speak about the feature on Amazon that shows what other people bought after you’ve made a purchase. Another example of the bubble effect? Wouldn’t it be better to have a reverse filter suggesting what they didn’t buy? We can so easily inhabit an echo chamber.
Shouldn’t we be reaching out those with different opinions to our own and seeking to understand?
This blog is important to me, and I know that many have been encouraged by it, especially by the devotional posts. I seek to provide an independent and personal space to share an eclectic mix of content, which will always be free.
If you appreciate my varied content, you might like to donate towards the running costs of my blog. Many thanks, John.
Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in November in the UK and some Commonwealth nations. It’s a day to honour and remember the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in times of war. It holds deep significance for Christians, interweaving both historical and spiritual elements in its observance.
At the heart of the Christian faith lies the principle of love, echoed in Jesus Christ’s teachings to “love your neighbour as yourself.” Remembrance Sunday aligns with this core belief, emphasising the sacrificial love shown by soldiers and civilians who laid down their lives for the well-being of others. Christians view this sacrifice as reflective of Christ’s own sacrificial love, embodied in his death on the cross.
For many Christian denominations, the act of remembrance itself is profoundly rooted in their faith. It’s a time to reflect on the virtues of courage, selflessness, and service exemplified by those who served in the armed forces. Christians recognise and honour the dedication and commitment of these individuals, echoing Christ’s message of service to others.
Church services on Remembrance Sunday often incorporate themes of peace, reconciliation, and the call for a world free from conflict. The prayers and hymns during these services focus on the hope for peace, drawing inspiration from biblical passages that speak of peace and the cessation of violence. It’s a moment to pray for global peace and for the families who continue to suffer due to the consequences of war.
The act of remembrance, marked by the two-minute silence at 11.00 am, stands as a solemn acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by so many. This silence is an act of collective honour and gratitude, echoing the Christian value of reverence, humility, and thankfulness.
Moreover, the red poppy, often worn during this time, symbolises both loss and hope. While it signifies the bloodshed and sacrifices of war, it also represents the hope for a peaceful future. In a Christian context, the red poppy can be likened to the redemptive nature of Christ’s sacrifice, offering hope and renewal even in the face of immense suffering.
The Christian perspective on Remembrance Sunday also incorporates a plea for learning from history. It encourages reflection on the tragic consequences of war and the importance of pursuing peace, justice, and reconciliation. This aligns with the Christian ideals of forgiveness and understanding, emphasising the need to work towards preventing conflict and promoting harmony in society. Some wear a white poppy for this reason.
Ultimately, for Christians, Remembrance Sunday is a time to pay homage to the fallen, to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, courage, and service, and to recommit to the pursuit of peace in a world often marred by conflict. It’s a day that highlights the interconnectedness of remembrance, faith, and the aspiration for a future guided by love, harmony, and unity.
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:1-12, are a set of teachings given by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, offering blessings to various groups of people. They serve as a cornerstone of Christian ethical teaching and reflect a profound spiritual insight into the nature of happiness, inner disposition, and the kingdom of God.
The Beatitudes begin with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This signifies a state of humility and spiritual openness. Jesus emphasises the value of recognising one’s need for God, illustrating that those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Here, Jesus acknowledges the pain and suffering in the world and offers solace to those experiencing grief, promising them comfort.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” This beatitude emphasizes the value of gentleness, humility, and self-control, promising the meek the ultimate reward of inheriting the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Jesus highlights the importance of pursuing righteousness and justice, promising fulfilment to those with a deep longing for what is right and just.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” This beatitude underscores the reciprocal nature of mercy; those who show compassion and forgiveness to others will receive the same treatment.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Jesus emphasises the significance of inner purity and sincerity, suggesting that those with pure intentions will have the privilege of perceiving and encountering God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This beatitude praises those who actively seek and cultivate peace, implying that they reflect the nature of God, who desires peace among humankind.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This beatitude acknowledges the challenges faced by those who stand up for what is right, assuring them of a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In these teachings, Jesus redefines traditional ideas of happiness and success, pointing toward spiritual attitudes and virtues rather than worldly achievements. The Beatitudes challenge societal norms, emphasising humility, empathy, purity of heart, and pursuit of justice.
They highlight the paradoxical nature of happiness in Christianity, finding joy in hardship, comfort in mourning, and fulfilment in selflessness. Moreover, they present a roadmap for discipleship, outlining the characteristics and attitudes that Christ-followers should embody. A design for life.
The Beatitudes offer a profound understanding of the Christian faith, revealing the heart of Jesus’ message and calling individuals to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. They provide a guide for personal introspection and societal engagement, promoting a life characterised by compassion, humility, and a pursuit of righteousness.
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