Coro Baptist Church

Whilst questions abound concerning the matter of the 'unforgivable sin' the context should guide us in our conclusions. First of all, consider what grace there is that 'every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven'! Only then are we ready to consider the sin which will not be forgiven – rejecting the work and grace of God and attributing it to the evil one. Some may fear the very notion of an 'unforgivable sin', when in fact Jesus' teaching here should bring great comfort – by the Spirit of God he is able to bind the strong man and deliver us from kingdom of darkness. The very kingdom of God has come upon us indeed!

New Years Eve is a curious time. Some will think of the year that's gone and hope for better in the new year. Some will think of resolutions they will endeavor to bring about. And some will be resolved somewhat fatalistically that nothing will change even when the year does. However, what we draw from the year gone, nor the year to come, is as important as what God says about who we are and where we are going. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells the Gentile Christians and us, who we are in God firstly– that we are holy and blameless before Him because of Christ, that we were far off but now we are near to God in Christ. We need to know who we are and why we are – children of God, before receiving the helpful and practical advice in the latter chapters about what it is to live as a child of God in the midst of a fallen world. If I could encourage us as one year ends and another begins, to read the letter and be encouraged as the children of the loving Heavenly Father.

Simeon waited... and waited... and waited for the consolation of Israel, but then he saw a young Jesus and his waiting was over; he was at peace. We too wait for the consolation of this world. We wait to be comforted, to be saved. One day, Jesus will return, our waiting will come to an end, and the completion of his consolation of the world will be revealed.

We may think that Love is universally understood but there are vastly different interpretations. Many of these understandings make love tentative and conditional because they suggest that love is uncertain, must affirm all behaviours, yet paradoxically has to be deserved! This is not the way that God sees it; nor the way we should see it. Psalm 143 is a deep conversation that David has with the LORD which helps us to understand the intensity and magnificence of His steadfast love. Knowing the LORD's great love, grace and mercy, and His gentle persistence in transforming His people – secures us and releases us to love abundantly. Christmas is a celebration of Jesus, the One who comes in humility, full of grace and truth – who shows us the great love of the Triune God. The One who comes to pursue the broken and the hurting and the lost. To bring real hope, real peace, real joy and real love. "Truly He has taught us, and continues to teach us, to love one another". This love will not be legalistic, nor reluctant; rather we will love well because we know we are loved well.

-No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.- Into this exclusive knowledge and relationship Jesus invites us, -Come to me--. And with that wonderful invitation comes the glorious promise, --and I will give you rest for your souls.- This is the greatest Christmas of all - the Son of God and his revealing of the Father to us.

The angel who spoke to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus said that he bore "good news that will cause great joy for all the people." What is it about Jesus, this child born in a manger, that generates such a response? He has come to save and to reign. If you have time this week, read and reflect on the carol, "Joy to the World" by Isaac Watts as you prepare to hear a word of joy concerning the long-expected Jesus.

"No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Into this exclusive knowledge and relationship Jesus invites us, "Come to me…". And with that wonderful invitation comes the glorious promise, "…and I will give you rest for your souls." This is the greatest Christmas of all - the Son of God and his revealing of the Father to us.

Peace is not a commodity to be bought "off-the-shelf" or a struggle to achieve through one's own wilfulness or meditation. Peace comes from the very nature of God and is given as a gift to those who come in faith to Him. Jesus gave His peace to His disciples, and we too, also as His disciples, can be recipients of this same peace. The world is in constant conflict because of sin and expresses little real peace. Sometimes worldly peace raises its head and refreshes for the moment. But true, deep, long-lasting peace escapes those who have no relationship with God. But the peace we receive from Christ does not mean we will be absolved from trials and tribulation. The disciples found this to be so. What we do find though, is that in spite of the wiles of the world, we can have peace, even under persecution. This has been the witness of many martyrs over the centuries. The advent of peace is fully seen in the advent of Christ. Ponder then, what true peace looks like and how it takes root and action in our lives.

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent - a season of waiting. Advent is a time of anticipation as we look forward to Christmas when we remember Christ's first coming, and a time of eager expectation as we wait patiently for his appearing. Advent is a season of hope- Against much opposition, and into a world where hope is so often battered and bruised, feeble and failing, Matthew reminds us that Jesus will not break the bruised reed or snuff out the smouldering wick. Justice will prevail, but not without mercy. Not by strength or by power, but by the Spirit. This is our hope.

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent – a season of waiting. Advent is a time of anticipation as we look forward to Christmas when we remember Christ's first coming, and a time of eager expectation as we wait patiently for his appearing. Advent is a season of hope! Against much opposition, and into a world where hope is so often battered and bruised, feeble and failing, Matthew reminds us that Jesus will not break the bruised reed or snuff out the smouldering wick. Justice will prevail, but not without mercy. Not by strength or by power, but by the Spirit. This is our hope.