Rejoice- I bring good news of great joy! said the Angel. I can joyfully announce my voice is back, so I can go out to preach this morning. The church to which I am going has asked me, not surprisingly, to take Joy as my theme. Some far right groups have recently been suggesting that the churches in England have not "put the Christ in Christmas." The Churches 'Joint Public Issues Team' have some helpful comments on their website. They have also re-released the materials from the 'Bus Stop Nativity' Poster Campaign.#JoyForAll This is the poster going up outside our chapel
- Jesus was not a white Englishman
- Jesus and his parents had to flee as refugees to Egypt to escape Herod's soldiers
- Jesus always respected women, whether Jew or Gentile. This cannot be said for some of the people TR/SY holds up as role models
The angel said “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Saviour has just been born in David’s town, a Saviour who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
Sadly, I think great joy is missing in many people's lives at the moment. Listening to the dreadful news everyday of more fraud and corruption and intolerance everywhere in the world is less than joyful. It no doubt will have to get far worse before it gets any better, putting Christ back in Christmas would be a start.
ReplyDeleteHave a joyful day preaching. X
I continue to pray for peace on earth and joy for all
DeleteWell and elequantly said Angela
ReplyDeleteJill
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DeleteSteeleyr Span's "Gaudete" is probably the only carol to make the top twenty pop charts and feature on Top Of The Pops!
ReplyDeleteWith a Latin 'O' Level I was able to follow the lyrics.
Dont forget Mary's Boy Child managed it twice in 1956 [Harry Belafonte] and 1978 [Boney M]
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