9 December 2007

Welcome to St Alban’s Anglican Church 

Today's Scripture (HC) : Isaiah 11: 1-10    Romans 15: 4-13    S. Matthew 3: 1-12

Today's Liturgy: 8.35 a.m. BCP Matins;    9.00a.m. Scripture Study;    9.30 a.m. Holy Communion;    EP 6.00 p.m.

This Week: Tuesday - Friday 12.30 p.m. Midday Prayer.

The 2^nd Sunday In Advent

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

FAITH IN FOCUS: HALF MEASURES?

There are some people for whom half measures just aren’t good enough.

We all know of people who put us to shame by their indefatigable commitment to the cause they have espoused. It might be someone who has been cured of cancer and now spends all their time raising funds for research. Perhaps it’s a politician risking their life by opposing corruption in their country, or someone campaigning tirelessly for the voiceless. Maybe it’s just an ordinary person who spends their entire life looking after a bed-ridden family member. Whatever they do, they put all their energy into it.

John the Baptist was such a person. He was no quiet preacher, not content to give his message in an unobtrusive way nor unconcerned by those who rejected it or failed to hear it. He was a disturbing character. Living on the edge of the desert, wearing strange clothes and eating a weird diet, his message struck panic into people, causing vast crowds to repent and to come and be baptised in the Jordan. That the kingdom of heaven is close at hand was his rally call.

When the Pharisees and Sadducees claimed to have repented he turned on them. Produce the evidence. If you really knew what this kingdom of heaven was all about then you wouldn’t be so self-satisfied. They had learnt how to practise their religion half-heartedly while seeming to keep all the rules.

So what about us? As Advent begins do we feel any sense of urgency about our need for continual repentance, or do we think of it as just another milestone in the calendar? Will the word of God this Advent make any difference to our attitude? Will it affect the way we behave towards God and each other? Do we most resemble the Jewish leaders taking their religion in their stride or the crowds who heard John’s message and realised that there can be no half measures when it comes to changing the way we live? Advent is the time for making our choice.

WORD OF GOD

He does not judge by appearances, he gives not verdict on hearsay, but judges the wretched with integrity, and with equity gives a verdict for the poor of the land. (Isaiah 11: 3-4)

WORD FOR TODAY

John the Baptist’s message of repentance is continuous, not something we do once and for all. We have to examine ourselves, our attitudes and actions daily. Do our lives make the kingdom of heaven more visible or do they obscure the view?

WORDS FOR WORSHIP

Lord Jesus, you have pity on the weak and helpless: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ Jesus, you listen to the needy when they cry to you: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the hope of the poor in spirit: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

 

By his advent among us in the person of Jesus Christ may almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and lead us rejoicing into everlasting life. Amen.

SECOND WEEK

Root of Jesse

In his days justice shall flourish

Prepare a way for the Lord

THE GREATEST OF FAULTS is to be conscious of none. (Thomas Carlyle)

BIBLE SUNDAY

From our earliest days at school we begin learning for the careers that we will have in later life. We sometimes take extra courses at nights, at the weekend or during the summer. But how much time have we invested in our education about the word of God, something that’s essential for our deeper fulfilment?

Bible Sunday reminds us that the scriptures are not simply ancient books that are of interest to those who like history. They are the way that God speaks to us day in and day out. The bible is not simply about God; it’s God’s word to us. By reading the bible we become aware of what God is saying to us, not just to everyone in general but to us personally.

Do you know where your bible is? Why not get it out today and begin a habit of reading just a bit each day? You’ll be surprised at the effect this will have. Because when we read the word of God we can never be left cold by it. We either accept it or reject it. Bible Sunday’s a good day to find out what your reaction is.

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS:

Mon: Isaiah 30:1-18, Matt 14:1-12, 1 Thess 1

Tues: Isa 30: 19-end, Matt 14:13-end, 1 Thess 2: 1-12

Wed: Isa 31, Matt 15:1-20, 1 Thess 2: 13-end

Thurs: Isa 32, Matt 15:21-28, 1 Thess 3

Fri: Isa 33:1-22, Matt 15:29-end, 1 Thess 4:1-12

Sat : Isa 35, Matt 16: 1-12, 1 Thess 4:13-end

NEXT SUNDAY (THIRD IN ADVENT): Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, S. Matthew 11: 2-11