You see, it’s all to do with those darned perfume ads. If only it were that simple – I douse myself in ‘Eau d’Arnette’ and Colin Firth swings by in an Aston Martin with chocolate and flowers … sorry, I drifted off for a moment there. Reality, sadly, is a bit more messy. … More Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 – Oaks of Righteousness
Of course it’s fun to wear dreadful jumpers to work, it’s lovely to sing carols by candlelight, it’s even OK to eat so many mince pies that your friends have to roll you home.
But just before we dive head-first in to the glitter-infused double cream (with a healthy dash of sherry for Gran), let’s take this opportunity to slow down, and use Advent to prepare for, rather than pre-empt Christ’s coming. … More Isaiah 64:1-9 – A ribbon-wrapped box containing nothing?
The wise advice is fine (if tricky to actually do), but what’s all this about heaping burning coals on the heads of your enemies? That doesn’t sound very nice!
Sure, I can think of a few folks who might deserve it, but isn’t the whole point that we’re not supposed to do that kind of thing? … More Romans 12:9-21
Of course, the culture-specific examples we read in the Bible need re-applying for different situations (I don’t recall finding a neighbour’s donkey in my field recently), but the principles are for all people at all times in all places. … More John 14:15-21
Next thing I know, there’s a *Crunchie* sound, like when you *Rolo* way a stone. I sat bolt upright and … ‘What *Kinder Surprise* is this?’ I said. … More Matthew 28:1-10
In our family, we have an Advent tradition. We have Bible verses that tell the Christmas story printed out, and we read one each day of Advent then hang them on the Christmas Tree. This is a similar activity for Lent using 14 readings to hang on a Lenten Tree. Why not make it part … More Activity – Lenten Tree
Advent 4 – “Wait Elizabeth, you mean Uncle Zech can’t talk?”
“No. Like an idiot he questioned what the angel had said; didn’t believe that God was able to do it. So the angel gave him proof! Ha! Serves him right, the daft old goat! Makes meal times a bit more peaceful I can tell you – no more listening to endless fishing stories!” … More Mary and Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-55
It’s said that men should be like chocolate – dark, strong and rich. Personally, I’d prefer more sweet and nutty, but maybe that’s carrying the metaphor a bit too far. … More Mark 10:17-31 – Eye of a Needle
The Reflectionary 