Hi, it’s Mick here and welcome to Friday’s Podcast. We hope you have enjoyed this weeks reflections on Luke’s account of the Christmas story and we are so grateful to our guest speakers this week, Brian, Sally and Mark from the St Hild faculty. Its a busy season for St Hild and we so appreciate our friends giving their time to bring us the Lord’s message to us this week. I wonder, what has Jesus been saying to you this week?

REFLECTION

Today’s reading is Luke 1:67-80 – the story of Zechariah. Again, you can hear the whole reading at the end of the worship song.

There is so much happening in Luke chapter one! Angels tell of the two new babies who are come into the world – John the Baptist and Jesus. Mary the mother of Jesus has a pre birth visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist – it’s what pregnant mums do. Mary is so happy and full of joy she sings – her song has an original title, it’s called ‘Mary’s Song’ or the Maginificat – this is Latin for the first word or phrase, ‘magnify’.

The Magnificat is one of the three canticles, Latin for song, in the opening chapters of this Gospel, the other two being the ‘Nunc Dimittis’ – Simeon’s Song in chapter 2 and our reading today, Zechariah’s Song, also called ‘The Benedictus’ from the Latin (Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”.

So why did Zechariah sing this song? God’s people at this time were not in a good place; they felt abandoned and alone as they lived under oppressive Roman rule. They were waiting for the promised Messiah, the one who would come to set them free and put things right. To be released from burdens, live in peace and have a purpose in life to see what all people are looking for, not just then, but now. They had been waiting a long time. Do you feel you are waiting for something to happen in your life? For a breakthrough? Read on!

Elisabeth was John the Baptist’s mother and Zechariah was his father. He had been unable to speak for 9 months – see v19-20 – never argue with an angel! Then John the Baptist is born and we read that it was a time of great celebration and joy (v57–66). Then Zechariah, who cannot speak writes, ‘“His name is to be John” – his mouth is now opened and he begins by praising God!’ (v63–64).Even John’s name was an expression of God’s blessings – it means ‘the Lord is a gracious giver’.

I have read these verses many times over the years and each time there is a fresh message from the Lord – today verse 68:

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

The Message translation says this:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free.”

or even more specifically. ‘Blessed be the Lord … he came and set us free’

What kind of freedom is this? Zechariah’s words describe many of the freedoms that Jesus would bring to us: Freedom to really know God and be forgiven (v77); freedom to walk with him through life and to receive his wonderful guidance (v79b). Jesus came to set us free and in particular to free us from the two great burdens that humanity carries – freedom from fear (v74b) and freedom from death(v79b). This is why Zechariah is singing – he can see that God is coming to bring salvation, bring freedom to his people!

My wife Tricia and I have been involved in church leadership over many years, which means being involved with people. We have seen for ourselves what fear can do in people’s lives – fear of other people, the future, money, health … and the greatest fear being that of death itself. However, we have also seen people being set free from these things as they have experienced the life changing love of Jesus. They, like us can say ‘Blessed be the Lord … he came and set us free’ bu...

Today’s podcast is by Sally Nelson, the Dean of Baptist Formation at St Hild College.

REFLECTION

What IS in a name?

Choosing a child’s name is a precious thing. When our child was born we had a list of names ready, but I felt I needed to see the baby before I could name him or her. In the event, I took one look and immediately knew what to call her. Now I can’t imagine her as anything else: she inhabits her name, and it remains our gift to her.

In Biblical times, naming children was not just about parental choice. The giving of the name was thought to have real effect, so that the characteristics suggested by the name’s meaning would be bestowed on the child. As we read the Bible, the meanings of names are often included – to us, they might seem like interesting footnotes, but they were so much more – potent symbols of hope, blessing or sometimes even a curse. Peoples’ names were sometimes changed to indicate a new calling – so Abram becomes Abraham, Saul becomes Paul, and Simon becomes Peter. Today when we commit to following Jesus, we join God’s family, and take a new name given by him: we are graced to be known as Christians.

In v59, we’re told that this baby’s wider family and friends thought they would call the baby after his stricken father, but this idea was soundly rejected by Elizabeth! The baby was not to be called Zechariah, but John, as God had declared. When the relatives went to the head of the family to check it out, Zechariah writes on his wax tablet that Elizabeth is correct! The baby is to be called John.

The name ‘John’ means ‘God is gracious’ in Hebrew. I wonder if you have ever pondered the fact that both Elizabeth and Mary, the two mothers in this story, have both been socially DISgraced – Elizabeth because she was barren, and Mary because she is not yet married? Our God can transform any life. Elizabeth conceives well past a healthy age, and is restored socially as a mother; while unknown teenager Mary gives birth to the world’s Saviour, and unwittingly becomes the most famous woman in history. Our God brings grace from disgrace for these women and he can do that for us.

You may also have noticed similarities between the stories of Jesus and of John the Baptist. Both pregnancies are announced by an angel. Both babies have divinely chosen names. Both John and Jesus later exercise a prophetic preaching ministry. Both are rejected by the establishment and both are brutally executed.

But in spite of these similarities, we don’t offer worship to John the Baptist! A special baby with a God-given task and name, he is a good man: yet he is still only at the edge of the Kingdom and is at times full of doubts. In Matthew 11, John (who by then is already in prison for his preaching) sends his disciples to ask Jesus, ‘Are you the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ Even though he is graced by God, John needs more information before he can believe. Jesus sends a message back: ‘The deaf can hear, the lame can walk and the blind can see’. Yes, I am the One.

Luke tells us that at John’s birth, when God’s hand is seen to be on him, people ask, ‘What will this child become?’. John is the forerunner, and his ministry is preparing the world to see Jesus.

But if John was Jesus’s forerunner, then we are Jesus’ s witnesses. This Advent, a good question for our own reflection is: ‘What have I become?’ If we have said yes to Jesus, then the hand of God is upon our lives too – so what does that look like in our lives?

Are the Kingdom values of justice, peace, liberation and healing seen in us? If people ask me: ‘Was Jesus really the One, or not?’, then I must ask myself whether the quality of my life as his disciple is the reason they still need more information.

We are born again into this family and take his Name, and when he returns, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess it.

Today’s podcast is by Mark Powley, the Principal of St Hild College.

REFLECTION

What is the greatest adventure of your life? Moving to a new city? Travelling to a different country? Or is it just the fact that you have got this far and made ends meet?

At this point in Luke’s gospel, Mary’s adventure becomes clear: she’s going to endure the risks of an unplanned pregnancy. She’s is going to teach the word of God how to speak. And one day she’ll have to watch him give his life away for the world.

And Mary’s response to this unsettling adventure is praise. She sings. And this is her song. God has filled the hungry with good things. But those who are rich, and self-satisfied, he sends away empty. This is Mary‘s remix of the great song by Hannah in Old Testament when she is promised a child. And it is one of the most famous bits of scripture, prayed by millions of Christians around the world every day.

We sometimes fall into the trap of thinking of God as static, fixed, even predictable. But this God is on the move. He lifts up the broken. He casts down the mighty. And that is what Advent means: it means ‘coming’. It means God is coming. It means there is not a situation in life where God cannot break in.

We may find ourselves longing for God‘s help, waiting and praying. But God is coming all the same. We can’t predict how God will come; we can’t control God’s arrival, any more than Mary could control the baby growing in her womb. But God is coming, and when he comes it is recognisable as mercy and grace and new life. As theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it; God is Constant advent.

One of my favourite Mick Woodhead-isms is “Father, thank you for this new day fresh off the shelf of heaven, never opened before!” This is so true! Today is a fresh day. Today is an Advent day because God can come into any situation we are facing.

In that sense, the greatest adventure of your life is today. Today is your Advent day, and mine too. Today is the day God can come into our lives to lift up and bless; to shake up the world around us. Not yesterday – that’s gone now. And not tomorrow – cos who knows what holds?! But today. Today is advent. Today is the greatest “Advent-ure”. Because God is coming.

 

 

READING: LUKE 1:46-55

And Mary said:

‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants for ever, just as he promised our ancestors.’

Hello and welcome to Tuesday’s Podcast. I’m Brian Wilson, one of this week’s guest speakers from St Hild College, which is a strategic partner of STC Sheffield. Today we are continuing our journey through the Advent season and we have reached the point in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel where Mary is heading off to visit her cousin Elizabeth.

REFLECTION

Mary has just received an amazing visit from the angel Gabriel, who has announced the incredible news that Mary will become pregnant and give birth to a son, Jesus, who will be great, he will be called the Son of the Most High and his kingdom will never end. Mary is puzzled and perplexed but is keen to confirm that she is most definitely available for the Lord to use in his service. ‘I am the Lord’s servant’, Mary answers to the angel, ‘may your word to me be fulfilled’.

Today’s reading is verses 39 to 45 of chapter one and you can hear it in full at the end of the podcast. After the angel’s visit, Mary is hurrying off to see her cousin Elizabeth, who is herself miraculously pregnant, in spite of her advancing years. Elizabeth’s baby will be John the Baptist and when Mary enters the house, he leaps with joy at the arrival of Jesus’ mother-to-be. Elizabeth encourages her visitor by saying how blessed Mary is because ‘she has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her’.

In western Norway, there is a spectacular rock called Trolltunga. If you Google Trolltunga, you will see loads of images of brave climbers performing dangerous stunts at around 3,000 feet above sea level. You would immediately realise that the English translation of Trolltunga is, unsurprisingly, Troll’s Tongue. This oddly-shaped rock, which overhangs above the lake far below, looks as if it could collapse at any moment. Standing on it seems like an act of enormous foolishness.

Many people look at Mary confirming that she is the Lord’s servant, available for him to use, and think her commitment to be an act of great foolishness. A bit like standing out over the Norwegian lake on the edge of the Trolltunga rock. But the Trolltunga rock is as safe as houses and has been there for thousands of years. Despite initial appearances to the contrary, standing on it is, indeed, relying on a firm and solid foundation. In the same way, Mary’s commitment to be available for her Lord to use her is based on a firm and solid foundation. ‘Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her’ is what Elizabeth says about Mary. Mary’s willingness to be available for God to use is based on her well-founded trust that He will fulfil his promises.

As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, how much are you and I prepared to echo Mary’s availability for God to use us in his service as part of his mission to reach an all-too-often dark world that needs to see the light of Christ, individuals who need to know Emmanuel, God with us? The degree to which we are available for God to use will be directly related to our trust, like Mary, that he will indeed fulfil his promises. Our commitment to be available to our Lord is not blind faith, it’s not foolishness nor stupidity. Instead, it is based on the firm foundation of God’s promises.

Trusting completely in God’s promises can sometimes feel a very risky and dangerous place to be. But, in this season of Advent, we will be reminded of so many of those wonderful promises to each one of us and to all people. This year, will we listen afresh to those familiar promises? Can we allow them to soak deep into our hearts and souls and minds?

May they assure us that we too, like Mary, are blessed and favoured and chosen by God as part of his incredible plan of salvation to draw us and all people to himself. And may we respond by recommitting our own availability for God to use us in all of the many ways that he plans in the weeks and months ahead.

PRAYER

Lord God,

Hi, my name is Mick and with my wife Tricia we lead STC Sheffield – undoubtedly the best church community anywhere, but I am somewhat biased! We hope you are enjoying our daily podcasts and they helping you as a disciple as you daily journey with Jesus.

Two weeks ago Alan completed our reflections on the growth of the early Church in Acts; last week Bryony took us through reflections on Isaiah 9 as we began the season of Advent. Today we begin two weeks of podcasts looking again at the Christmas story in Luke’s gospel – the coming of Jesus into our world; then a short holiday break before we continue our podcasts in January. I am really excited about these next two weeks of podcasts as we have some fantastic guest speakers for you to listen to!

You will hear me today and on Friday then three members of the faculty of St Hild College whose Sheffield Barnabas Centre meets here every Monday on the STC campus. St Hild trains students in theology and church leadership – for more details check out their website sthild.org. On Tuesday you will hear Brian, Wednesday is Sally and on Thursday Mark the St Hild principal – an exciting week ahead! Each day there will be a focus on a particular verse or verses followed by a reflection and prayer, a worship song after which you can hear the full bible reading for the day.

REFLECTION

Today’s reading is Luke 1:26-38, the account of the angel’s visit to Mary. All this week and next you will hear through these podcasts a clear account of the birth of Jesus. This is the intention of the writer Luke; he says right at the beginning in chapter 1 v3&4:

With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

He tells the story of John the Baptist in the first part of chapter one, then on to the main event! In fact, over these next days we will hear again in these podcasts the main event of history, God coming to this earth as a baby.

There is so much in this reading to encourage us in our walk as disciples; in v31 -35 Luke sets out clearly a number of claims about Jesus. The angel says to Mary, ‘You are to call him Jesus’ (v.31). The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘saviour’. He is the long-awaited Messiah in the line of David. v31-32 and he is the ‘son of God’ v35 – Jesus is both fully human and fully God. All this in a tiny baby!

I have read these verses so many times over the years and always found great encouragement and challenge in them. As I read them with this Podcast in mind v37 stood out to me this time ‘for no word from God will ever fail’. You will see different translations of this verse in different bibles but the original text says this ‘for nothing will be impossible with God’ or even more specific ‘there are no impossibilities with God’.

What was about to happen to Mary was seemingly impossible – that why it’s called the immaculate conception! However, there are no impossibilities with God.

Do you need to hear that truth today; whatever you are facing, whatever challenges lay ahead of you – nothing is impossible with God. There have been many times in my life when I have had to rely on that truth that God can do it – many times for Tricia and I and our family; many times in Christian ministry when believing the truth that ‘for nothing will be impossible with God’ brought the breakthrough we needed. Do you need to hear that truth today with whatever you’re facing? Let it sink in to your very being as we hear again over these next days the Christmas story – ‘for no word from God will ever fail’.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you that in the coming of Jesus we see you promises becoming a reality – what you said would happen, did happen.

Good morning and welcome to Friday’s podcast. Today is my last podcast of this week and it’s been great to journey with you this week. Next week we will be digging into the Christmas story so don’t miss that!

REFLECTION

Today’s reading is from Isaiah chapter 9 verse 7.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

I’m recording this podcast in the aftermath of the fall of Mugabe in Zimbabwe. I’ve been following the story closely over the past few years, since our best friends moved out to work in Zim several years ago. Mugabe’s rule has been long and fairly terrible. And even those of us who have never experienced the suffering that his citizens have can understand a little of the relief the recent events have brought. All over the world we see leaders trying to increase their power, growing their kingdom (usually by force) or asserting their control to prevent any loss of it.

This passage describes what the world will look like under Jesus’ rule and reign. The priorities of this Kingdom are peace, justice and righteousness. That definitely shouldn’t sound as radically different from the world we experience as it does! It feels like we are way off seeing that kind of leadership from our world’s rulers.

And yet the thing is we can’t wait for some far off day when everything will be made right. As Christians we believe that that day is coming that Jesus will return and heaven will be brought to earth, that Jesus will establish his kingdom here. But while we are on earth our job is to help reveal that kingdom to others. To tell people about the King! It means that we should be the people who champion peace and advocate for justice. Where we see anything that won’t exist in Jesus’ final Kingdom we should be moved to change it. If we find it hard to think about what that practically looks like, then Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 is a great place to start. The sermon is often called Jesus’ “manifesto” and he very practically explains what His kingdom looks like, how people behave, what they value. He covers everything from worry, money, sex, anger, the poor and a whole lot else. Our politicians should probably take a look if they want some real culture changing policies!

We can start close to or even in our own home. Where is there some ‘kingdom’ missing?  Maybe it’s the way we speak to our kids or the way we are disconnected from our housemates. We may find that God leads us to places outside of our own situation which he is wanting to redeem with his Kingdom values. Maybe a person, family or community are being treated unfairly, maybe there’s real poverty that needs challenging. Let’s ask God to open our eyes to where we can bring the kingdom and its values, in our own lives but importantly in the lives of others.

PRAYER

Jesus, helps us to be moved whenever we see that our world does not look like it belongs to you. Help us to find ways of revealing your kingdom to others and to stand up for injustice wherever we see it.  Amen.

READING: ISAIAH 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

Good morning, afternoon or evening depending on when you are listening to this podcast today. Maybe this is the third time you’ve attempted to listen to this due to interruptions or children – this happens to me regularly so you are in good company! My name is Bryony and I’m on the staff team here at STC Sheffield.

REFLECTION

I’ve just introduced myself as Bryony, but truth be told, that’s not what everybody calls me. If you know me quite well you can probably get away with calling me Bry. If you are my younger brother you will call me Brys. If you’re American you’re probably confused by my name and will resort to calling me (as has happened on several occasions) ‘Brittney’. Or if you are my wonderful God-daughter Maisie I’m happy to answer to ‘Brian’!

Some people think a lot about the meaning behind a potential name they are considering for their child. I am named after a poisonous wild ivy – go figure!

In Old Testament times, names really mattered! We know that culturally you would find out a lot about a person’s ancestry, status and job from their name. The Bible also illustrates the importance of names. God gives Abram and Sarai part of his name and they become Abraham and Sarah. God reveals his name to Moses as he speaks to him from a burning bush.

Today we have arrived at verse 6 of Isaiah chapter 9. These verse will be very familiar to you if you’ve ever been to a traditional carol service at Christmas. Over the last two days we saw Isaiah telling the people they will have a reason to rejoice and their oppressors will be removed and now we reach the climax of the prophecy where we reveals how this will be. He says…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah reveals the names of this Messiah who is going to change everything. These names are a tangible and beautiful description. They reveal so much about Jesus’s character that I would recommend spending 5 minutes today meditating on them. Read them over and over and ask God to speak to you. They show us that he is wise and can be trusted to help us like a counsellor, that he is a strong and powerful saviour. They teach us that he is the never-ending, steadfast head of our family. They remind us that bringing peace is part of his very nature.

I read those names and they feel like a soft comfortable duvet; they feel safe, warm, a comfort in a storm. Tomorrow we will read about Jesus’ power and strength but for today why not read those four names and ask Jesus to highlight the aspect of his character that you need to know as true today. Maybe you are facing a difficult decision and need his wisdom as a counsellor and friend. Do you need to feel his power and protection? Do you need to wrestle with what it means to relate to Him as a father? Are you feeling unpeaceful and needing to come to him as the true source of all peace? What speaks to you today?

Names matter, and today we can trust that Jesus is and will be who he says he is.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank you that the Bible reveals so much to us about your character and your love for us. Thank you that each one of your names helps us to see another part of who you are. Help us never to be satisfied with what we know of you but help us press into knowing you more today. Amen.

READING: ISAIAH 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Good morning everyone and welcome to Wednesday’s Podcast. This week we are taking a break from our journey through the book of Acts as we begin our season of Advent. All week we are looking at Isaiah chapter 9; at the end of this podcast you can listen to the whole reading. We are focussing in on Isaiah’s messianic prophecy, or put simply, an amazing part of the Bible which talks about Jesus hundreds of years before he was born.

REFLECTION

Today we have arrived at verse 4-5; let me read those for us:

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.  Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

So at first glance this seems a slightly less positive reading than yesterday…no mention of rejoicing or joy today! Just quite a lot of blood, battle, burning and fire! And yet this passage talks (and we will hear more about this tomorrow) about the the scene in which Jesus is been sent. A battle rages which is coming to an end. Practically, for the people listening to Isaiah at the time, there is real hope here that God has seen their suffering, that a day of redemption is coming. But what about us?

I was particularly drawn to the line ‘you have shattered the yoke that burdens them’. As you may know, a yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs. For oxen, wearing a yoke means you are about to pull a load or take on a burden. This verse of scripture is saying when the Messiah arrives he is going to smash that load, he going to remove the burden from our shoulders. When we hear this we should be reminded of Jesus’ words when he says ‘My yoke is easy’ – the things God gives us should fit because firstly they are made for us and secondly because it’s Jesus who’s walking next to us sharing the load.

All this has got me thinking and wondering about what it looks like for Jesus to shatter the yoke that burdens me? Or more specifically what is the yoke that burdens me? It could be expectations of others and who they think I should be, it could be the need to achieve, maybe it’s worry about finance or health. I can easily carry the yoke of needing to prove myself, and to be perfectly honest, to prove I’m better than the boys! I’m pretty sure none of these things are the yoke Jesus asks me to carry – in fact I’m certain they all need shattering. I wonder of any of those things resonated with you? What is the burden you carry that you know deep down you weren’t create or equipped to carry?

Let’s be honest with Jesus and each other today about the things we need to turn from, the yokes we need to ask Jesus to shatter. Let’s ask him to reveal the places where we are carrying more that we need to. Let’s walk into the freedom that journeying side by side with Jesus brings.

PRAYER

Jesus thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Help us to surrender the yoke that we have let the world, others or even ourselves put on our shoulders. We ask you to come and shatter those things, remind us who we are and enable us to walk in the freedom that brings. Amen.

READING: ISAIAH 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

Welcome to Tuesday’s Podcast. My name’s Bryony and it’s great to be with you this week. Today’s reading is Isaiah 9 verse 3. Remember to keep listening at the end of this podcast to hear the whole reading for the week!

REFLECTION

So, verse 3:

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

We thought a bit about the context of this week’s readings yesterday but to recap, this is a prophecy given by the Prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel and Judah during a not-too-easy part of their history. The passage speaks into the situation they were in, but it was also a description of the coming messiah, Jesus.

Today in just one verse the word ‘rejoice’ is repeated 3 times, and the word ‘joy’ is also thrown in for good measure! It is saying when the Messiah, when Jesus arrives, there is reason to rejoice, as much as people celebrating their harvest or the end of battle. I’m not sure about you but I am yet to rejoice over any post-battle plunder?! But I do slightly more resonate with the image of harvest, the couple (and I really do mean only a couple) of times I’ve succeeded to grow something in my garden I have definitely rejoiced. The strawberries certainly taste sweeter when you’ve gone to war with the slugs and won – hey, maybe they are my post-battle plunder!

The thing with growing fruit or vegetables is you can do what you can do but in the end you have to stand back and let the soil, the sun and the rain do their jobs. I rejoice when something flowers in my garden not because of my skill but because in some way it’s a tiny picture of grace! I did my bit but then nature took it in its own hands and was kind to me.

We rejoice when things grow, when situations change, where there is hope where there once wasn’t. We rejoice even more when we know that change wasn’t purely down to us and our hard work but to God showing us grace, favour and love.

This verse got me thinking about whether I’m rejoicing enough in my life? We have friends who wanted to have the value of ‘celebration’ in their marriage and so, practically, that meant always having a bottle of bubbly in the fridge. I love this…not just because I do enjoy a glass of something sparkling, but because the heart behind it is an expectation that there WILL be reasons to celebrate, that rejoicing will be a default not an exception, and the expectation that the fridge will need replenishing regularly.

How are we building rejoicing into our lives? Do we celebrate the victories big and small? When’s the last time we popped a bottle of bubbly? As we move through Advent we are reminded of the heavenly party that was thrown one night 2000 years ago. A party that celebrated the arrival of a baby who would give mankind an eternal reason to rejoice. So let’s aim to rejoice more or, as the prophet put it, to ‘increase our joy’. Whatever your day looks like today, why not look for one thing you could celebrate: a work target reached, a child’s achievement (no matter how small), the fact you stayed in your budget this month or simply that today was better than yesterday! Let’s pray for our day…

PRAYER

God, thank you that in the birth of your son we have the ultimate reason to rejoice. Thank you also that you give us many good things, help us be a people who celebrate quickly and show your world what it is to rejoice. Amen.

READING: ISAIAH 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Welcome to Foundations Daily Podcast. My name is Bryony and I’m excited to be joining you this week on the podcast as it’s the first week of Advent. Up until this point we’ve been journeying through the book of Acts but for the next four weeks we’ll be taking a break as we move through Advent and Christmas. If you are new to the podcast, then firstly welcome! In each podcast we share a short thought followed by a song of worship, after which you will hear the whole Bible reading.

REFLECTION

This week we are considering just one passage from Isaiah as we begin this journey towards Advent. The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word for ‘coming’ and is the period that Christians down the generations have used to prepare for Christmas. I once worked for a charity where we referenced the ‘Christmas season’ in a publication. I was very firmly told by a supporter that Christmas is one day and ‘Advent’ is the season; I’ve never made that mistake again! So Advent is this period of preparation and time for the church to ready itself to both celebrate Jesus’ birth but also to look forward to His ultimate return to earth.

Isaiah was a prophet from Jerusalem who was bringing God’s word to the corrupt leaders of Israel and Judah. They were supposed to be God’s people but they were not at all living in the light of this. Into this context Isaiah speaks a striking prophecy which not only spoke to the people’s current situation but also pointed forward to a coming Messiah. This prophecy and others like it would keep the people of God going during their own period and waiting as they anticipated the coming of the Messiah and one who would bring redemption and rescue His people. Today we are picking the Prophecy up at Isaiah 9 verse 2;

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Light makes a difference. It makes a difference when I’m tip-toeing round my children’s bedrooms at night trying not to stand on pieces of Lego! It makes a difference for those of us in Sheffield who have lived for months with no real street lights! Light makes a difference when the clocks change and you are suddenly walking home in the dark. Light makes a difference.

Many of our church family here took part in the Streets of Light trail this year. It was incredible to see houses with amazingly creative displays in their windows sharing messages of hope, peace and love to the community. Light makes a difference.

The passage today points forward to the change that took place with Jesus’ arrival – it was to be as light is to dark. His arrival completely changed everything, a heavenly light switch was pulled and God re-illuminated His world.

Before we rush off into our week let’s bring to mind the places of people we know who are walking in darkness. Maybe it’s a community you walk through on your way to work, a lonely neighbour, a friend who is currently suffering. As we enter advent let’s be encouraged to pray that God’s great light will illuminate the darkness and bring transformation and change. Light makes a difference.

The rest of this week we will continue with the next few verses of Isaiah so please do join me tomorrow, but for now let’s finish with a prayer.

PRAYER

Jesus, thank you that you came to dispel darkness. We bring to mind now the places which we know need your light. Help us to not only pray for your light but to physically be your light in those situations this Advent. Be with us today and help us to know your light in our own darkness. Amen.

READING: ISAIAH 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.