For all the nativity's yuletide dominance, the quirks of the Anglican Second Service lectionary nudged a different arrival story onto centre stage on the First Sunday of Advent: Jesus's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
One of the problems in my own walk has been a lack of intimacy with the Holy Spirit.
At the right hour, God will open the floodgate and release the cleansing river into society. This was the promise of Jesus.
To slow down and occasionally to stop altogether appears counterintuitive in a world where there is always something to do. The question is – how much are we actually getting done running at full speed and what is the cost?
I imagine some of you will be shocked that we have decided to add such a grim character to our sweet nativity scene but it actually comes straight out of the Bible in Revelation Chapter 12.
Megachurch pastor JD Greear thinks Christians should be generous when it comes to how to address transgender people.
Men living in the most deprived areas were 51% more likely to experience depression than those living in areas that were not deprived. Interestingly, the results did not reach statistical significance in women.
We know that we are supposed to treat our finances, gifts and talents, close relationships, career, and time as if they belong to the Lord. Yet, there is one spiritual commodity of coveted value in the 21st century that many of us have not yet placed under the umbrella of Christ's lordship. This is our attention.
There are times when 'no' is the best answer for us, even if we don't realise it at the time.
If we really don't conform to the pressures and standards of this world, then we shouldn't expect to feel loved by this world.
Our church fathers shaped Christianity as we know it, and handed us clearly articulated explanations of doctrines including the Trinity and Christ's nature. Yet we still seem to ignore them.
