Daily Scripture‘Know that the Lord is God; it is he that has made us and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.’ (Psalm 100 v2 3)Daily Reflection There are some scientific explanations for how we all came about, and why we are here. None of them, however, have been able to categorically deny the existence of a Creator God. What if the Bible is the truth? What if God really did create each one of us, for the purpose of being in relationship with Him, to love us as His own children and to look after us as a shepherd cares for his sheep? If you can believe only that much – that God created the world – doesn’t it make sense that the rest of the Bible might be the truth too? Today, instead of looking around, look up. There is something and, more importantly, Someone above all that we are going through right now. He made us, He loves us, and He will restore us. Vicki Young
Daily ScriptureAs Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’ (Luke 21:1-4)Daily ReflectionSoon it's Christmas and, whatever else is happening, or not, this Christmas, one thing is sure - we are going to give and to get some presents! For some people, it's no big deal. They just get out their wallet, or Smartphone and pay. But for some, this time is filled with anxiety. Will there be even enough for a Christmas meal? Some small gifts for the kids? Heating? And still they give to charity, or put something in for the food bank. I have often found that it's those with the least to share, who are still most willing to give what they can, knowing that someone else is always worse off. Whether you have a lot, or a little to share this Christmas - please remember to give with a generous heart! Revd Ylva
Daily ScriptureThe Collect for today, the last Sunday before Advent, from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer:‘Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord.’Daily ReflectionThe opening words of the Collect have given this Sunday the nickname of ‘Stir up Sunday’, traditionally the time to make the Christmas pudding. In spite of all the excellent supermarket alternatives there will no doubt still be some traditionalists (like me) stirring up a storm today.But of course it’s about rather more than dried fruit and brandy.It is not unbelievers but God’s faithful people who pray to be stirred up, rescued from apathy, energised, renewed. The gift of faith brings with it a call to action, allowing God to work in and through us. We pray that he will take our will, so that we may come to want what God wants, and be used in his service. To be blessed in this way is itself our ‘plenteous reward’. Revd Rosemary
Daily Scripture:‘Hear my teaching, O my people; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will pour forth mysteries from of old, such as we have heard and known, which our forebears have told us.We will not hide from their children; but will recount to generations to come, the praises of the Lord and his power, and the wonderful works he has done.’ (Psalm 78 1-4) Daily Reflection As I was reading the first few verses of this Psalm, I was reminded of the Crosby, Stills & Nash song “Teach Your Children Well”. One of the best ways of teaching our children is through storytelling - an ancient tradition passed down through the centuries. Stories told over and over again so that those listening are able to memorise and pass them on to the next generation. As a child I loved hearing the stories in the Bible, letting my imagination bring them to life and enabling me to recall and recount these stories to my own children. We all have a responsibility to teach our children well and perhaps through these dark days of winter we could start by snuggling up on the settee and reading a few Bible stories together. Lyn Hayes, ALM
