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Yesterday was the second Sunday in Advent – preparing for Christmas. According to Christian tradition, a second advent candle, often called the Bethlehem candle, is lit. Throughout the Bible, Bethlehem speak of being ready for the unexpected… …Jacob comes to Bethlehem. He already has eleven sons; Rachel, his favourite wife, is pregnant. Benjamin is bornContinue reading “Bethlehem – Preparing for the Unexpected”

The other day I was asked by a well-meaning Christian, ‘What’s your favourite verse?’ Church-going people often have a ‘favourite verse’ or a favourite Bible story. I get that. A thought or story has been meaningful at significant times in their lives; they return there for comfort, encouragement or instruction. They might say, ‘God hasContinue reading “Round and Round in Christian Circles”

I’m amused… Two unlikely establishments have applied to be registered as religious meeting places under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855 – so that they can open under Tier 3 lockdown rules: ‘The 400 Rabbits’ Cocktail Bar in Nottingham wants to become ‘The Church of The Four Hundred Rabbits’. Attenders will become either aContinue reading “400 Rabbits”

Today’s local paper reports on the funeral of Ivan Gilbert. The article describes him as ‘a well respected  building company founder’, ‘dedicated charity worker’, ‘father of two and grandfather of four’, ‘passionate Norwich City supporter’. Those who paid their respects included representatives from St John Ambulance, Lowestoft Lions, Gisleham Parish council and Masonic members. IvanContinue reading “A Man Of Many Parts”

There’s the old joke… A man went out wearing one glove. ‘Why are you only wearing one glove?’ ‘Because the weather forecast said that on the one hand it might be warm; on the other hand it might be cold.’ Musing on ‘on the one hand’ statements…. On the one hand pandemic restrictions will ease;Continue reading “On the one hand…”

Here’s to the ones that we got,Cheers to the wish you were here but you’re not.‘Cause the drinks bring back all the memoriesOf everything we’ve been through.Toast to the ones here today,Toast to the ones that we lost on the way.‘Cause the drinks bring back all the memories,And the memories bring back, memories bring backContinue reading “Memories”

Today, December 1st, is Saint Agericus’ day. His parents, ordinary poor people, had prayed for a child for many years. Their baby was born in 521. His mother named him Agericus (links to the word agricultural) because she was in the fields working the crops when he was born. He grew up with his familyContinue reading “Saint Agericus”

We went for a walk yesterday afternoon. Christmas trees with lights on were in windows. A number of families were putting Christmas lights on and around their houses – bright and highly visible. Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent. In many churches across the world, the first advent candle would have been lit toContinue reading “Unseen Hope”

You saw me crying in the chapelThe tears I shed were tears of joyI know the meaning of contentmentNow I am happy with the Lord I return to Elvis this morning – unapologetically… at a time when the immediate future of churches and chapels is uncertain… Life sometimes seems complicated and heavy. Elvis comes toContinue reading “Crying in the Chapel”