It’s Just Common Sense

When Nasa first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To solve this problem, American scientists spent a decade and billions of dollars developing a pen that writes in space, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface (including glass) and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 3000 degrees celsius. The Russians meanwhile applied some common sense and used a pencil!

A young driver’s common sense could have saved his life after his car caught fire. The motorist pulled over as soon as he noticed a ‘funny smell’ and realised smoke was coming from the engine. Moments later his car turned into a fireball and was completely destroyed. The fire brigade praised his quick thinking in having the sense to stop and get out.

So what is common sense? Well I thought I’d use some by first turning to a dictionary where it’s defined as, “the basic level of practical knowledge and judgement that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way.” Who would feed a crocodile – let alone sit on one!! It’s like watching a scary film: you know when the person goes out into the dark to investigate a noise when they should stay in the house and you find yourself saying, “Don’t go out there it’s not safe. Use some common sense!” But they never listen to you.

 

Some argue that there’s little sound judgement going on these days. They argue that if common sense was common, then people wouldn’t buy stuff they can’t afford, footballers wouldn’t tweet pictures they later regret and ships captain’s – well they wouldn’t sail too close to rocks endangering the lives of their passengers (as we’ve sadly seen just recently).

Now there are some who wouldn’t agree, but to me infant baptism is common sense. Based on the “entire household” baptisms of the NT where, no doubt, children were welcomed into the church. Based upon Jesus’ welcome of children. Based upon the OT Covenant that the promise is to you and your children. Although these little ones are unable to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour by their own confession, the faith of their parents was enough. And we follow in that tradition today. But something I need to make absolutely clear is this: xxxxx and xxxxx out of a desire to do what’s best for xxxxx have had him Christened. But the water cannot impart salvation. One day xxxxx will have to say for himself, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” – and only by making that personal statement will He be saved for eternal life.

Whatever you decide about infant baptism, since the beginning God has attempted to get people’s attention and to call them into a commitment to live with principles, values and sense of the holiness that God wants from all humanity. Therefore, it’s common sense to see baptism as “an outward sign of an inward spiritual grace” – which is why we call it a sacrament. It reminds us that we are children of God, loved by our creator, and that we are part of a larger family of people. The Church is the body of Christ. It exists to be His voice, hands and feet in proclaiming the Gospel, safeguarding creation, stamping out injustice and responding to human need in loving service. And God wants everyone to be a piece of the jigsaw. There’s no finite number of pieces. We just need to find where we fit in. We’re all important.

However, as the saying goes, “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist (Russian or American!) to figure out that something is desperately wrong with the human race.” Common sense tells us this. Not a Ph.D in ethics or theology. But common sense isn’t enough to please God. In fact when it comes to God we seem to lack good judgement and wisdom, preferring to go our own way rather than His way. The Bible is merely a collection of myths and legends. Our human nature leads us to the road that is easier, more popular and more comfortable. Yet the Bible says whosoever calls on the Lord and enters the narrow way, the more difficult path, shall be saved. It’s a spiritual fact. It’s 100% true. Then there are those who come to the Bible with pre-conceived ideas without even sampling what it has to say. They may recognise Jesus’ uniqueness, His powerful teaching and His authority over evil. They’re dipping a toe in the water, but still haven’t grasped the key to life.

Over the great doorway of the cathedral at Milan are three inscriptions spanning the arches. Upon one arch is carved a wreath of roses, and underneath is the sentence: “All that which pleases is but for a moment.” Over the second is carved a cross with the words: “All that which troubles is but for a moment.” But written on the great central arch are the words: “What is only important is the eternal.” Common sense tells us to slow down and look ahead. It has nothing to do with intelligence. We can be clever on paper but ignorant about what’s really important. We’re not going to be here forever are we? Common sense is the ability to see the obvious. But wisdom is the ability to see beyond the obvious. That’s why Christians believe that the Bible is true and trustworthy because it is the very Word of God.

The first step in real wisdom is to recognise that the Lord is to be feared (Ps.111:10). Psalm 111 plainly declares the reasons to worship Him. So in case we’ve lost our common sense: First consider how great the works of the Lord are: “Glorious and majestic are his deeds, his righteousness endures forever…He is gracious and compassionate.” (vs.3,4). Next, think about His provision and covenant love for His people – symbolised especially today with baptism and the blessing of the Holy Sabbath. Thirdly, remember how God has redeemed His people by promising salvation. “He has paid the ransom and has guaranteed His covenant with them forever.” (v.9).

So common sense, suggests that we should be in awe of God; aware of His great power, authority and glory. He has plainly declared what is truly obvious to anyone who will be honest about it: that we need God in our sinful lives. 

One day, a mother explained to her five-year-old daughter that if she chose to disobey her, she would have to live with – ‘the consequences’. “Oh Mommy,” she said with a terrified look on her face, “Please don’t make me live with ‘the consequences’. I want to live here with you and Daddy!” Every child is born with a sinful nature. Have you ever noticed that you don’t have to teach babies to be selfish? What are among the first words Harry will learn? “No” and “mine!” We all do wrong things. So if we know God is holy and can’t stand sin, then surely it’s common sense we need to do something about it? We won’t have the gift of eternal life if we don’t: “The wages of sin is death.” (Rom.6:23). The consequences. So now that I’ve diagnosed the problem – what’s the solution?

xxxxx you’re a mechanic. When you get home from work, before you play with your son you probably have a bath or shower to wash off all the grease and muck of the day. Trust me I’m not having a go at your personal hygiene but it’s a good example of how we need to be washed clean of all the impurities, our sin, that so offends God. The old saying goes “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The first is possible – but the second? No amount of water will ever cleanse us. Only renewal by the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus on the old rugged cross can do that: “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud…your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Is.44:22). This washing, this spiritual cleansing, happens as we lose our pride and respond to the forgiveness, joy, peace and love God offers.

Everybody makes mistakes. It is a part of being human. But we really lack common sense if we say we have no sin. We’re actually deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 Jn.1:8). That’s why I share with you the joy that our sins can be forgiven. Because God has wanted to bless us from day one, and will do so now, we must understand that we need Him and we cannot save ourselves. Common sense would have us say “thank you for a clean slate and changing my nature.” Common sense shows us how we help our children, by bringing them up in Christian homes for “the rewards of wisdom come to all who obey the Lord.” (Ps.111:10). Lastly, this is how the Lord God wants us to live. We must use our common sense to turn to Him: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer.29:11).

This Month’s Church Magazine

FEBRUARY Contact

When Trouble Comes

I’ve never been a big fan of Winnie the Pooh. However, one of the bedtime books I used to read to my children was about a blustery day in the hundred-acre wood. Piglet was anxious about trees falling down and says to Pooh, “What if it happened when we were underneath one?” In a laid back sort of way the bear replies, “Well, suppose it didn’t”.

It’s the glass half-full, half-empty scenario isn’t it? The sort of conversation we have with others, or even with ourselves. Are we worried about all sorts of things that might happen? Or, are we less bothered and prefer to take one day at a time? Here we are so early in the New Year and full of optimism. But we need to face the fact that during the coming months every person present this morning will likely encounter some difficulty along the way that may be spelled out as T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Psalm 121 speaks to us of trouble of one kind or another. I have this psalm on the notice board above my desk to remind me of the dialogue we have in our souls now and again. It’s a pilgrim psalm originally sung by those on their way to Jerusalem. Back then, Holy Land pilgrimages were notoriously difficult; hazardous terrain, all manner of pitfalls including robbers. At night the travellers would group together (safety in numbers) and would post sentries around the campsite. Looking up at the hills, or mountains and even further up into the glory of the star-lit heavens, the Lord’s abode, for here was true help against the greater troubles of life: “My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.” (vs.2). He can deal with more than mere robbers. So with renewed courage they would sleep, arising with confidence the next morning to face any trouble that might present itself. I guess they were – “one day at a time folk” – who knew nothing is beyond God’s reach and control.

It’s so obviously true yet sometimes we need reminding of basic truths. We need reminding, when we face anxious times, just who it is we should first be turning to. Not our spouses, or parents, or children, or friends – but to the Creator God: “O how I need you Lord, you are my only hope, my only prayer.”

Doris Brown was a remarkable woman. Six and a half feet tall, her physical presence was matched by her big personality. She was a missionary, working in China in the late 1940s when the Communists took control. They regarded her as a freak, so set to work on her. Brainwashing began: endless hours of questioning. She became confused, but in the middle of it all she remembered a remarkable promise of Jesus: “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say, or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt.10:19-20).

From a purely human perspective, times of trials and sufferings can make us feel hopeless. Doris was in a setting of persecution, so she asked God for help and comfort. To each question from her interrogators she made a statement of faith working through the historic creeds and quoting Scriptures that the Holy Spirit gave her including Psalm 121. Eventually the interrogators gave up. Later, Doris returned to England – with her faith intact.

We’ll never have to go through what some Christians have endured. Think of Terry Waite held hostage all those years and unknown believers across the world being persecuted as I speak. Nevertheless, in our times of serious testing – life’s full of surprises and uncertainties, and we must not be tempted to turn from our faith or just give up. We should turn to God in these times and share the confidence of the psalmist who knows that He cares about our troubles. Look at these verses again:-

• He will not let you stumble or fall (vs.3).

• He personally watches over you! (vs.5).

• He stands beside you when the heat gets too much (vs.5).

• He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life (vs.7).

That’s wonderful reassurance, isn’t it? I think we can all agree this short Psalm is trying to tell us something! It is comforting. However that word can mislead, for the old usage is very different from our modern understanding. This is amusingly illustrated on the Bayeux Tapestry. One scene has the caption: “King William comforteth his soldiers” – but we do not find him with his arms around his men. No. He’s prodding then into battle with his sword. What this image is highlighting is the belief that despite our troubles, we endeavor to serve our King to the maximum, believing that He will give us the strength, so that we will be able to endure whatever it is. When we gain a proper perspective by having the eye of faith, we have serenity. The promised comfort the Lord’s Holy Spirit provides.

I don’t where Bette Midler and Sir Cliff Richard got their theology from when they sang about how God is watching us, from a distance. That’s so wrong. Whether we’re healthy or ill, happy or sad, calm or angry – God stands beside us as we come and go on our journey through life. As well as the Healer, and the Great Physician, He’s also our Shepherd who keeps a close eye on His sheep – especially when we’re “in the mountains of anxiety” facing those life issues: pain, suffering, broken relationships. Those testing times, none more so when we’re confronted with death, say of a loved one, sudden or expected: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. Thy rod and staff they comfort me.” (Ps.23:4). How often we forget this truth. It’s not surprising for we feel sometimes that God has got it in for us; that He’s reluctant to help and that we’re not good enough for Him and that we can cope on our own.

If this you today then the troubles that you’re currently in the midst of, whatever it is, whatever they may be, surrender them to Jesus right now. Stop relying on yourself and see your anxiety fade away. Look, not at the hills, but past the hills. Look to the cross, as you endeavor day by day, not necessarily to have a comfortable life – but to have eternal life. After all, Jesus laid it on the line to His followers concerning trust and persistent prayer and Paul, himself no stranger to difficulties and hardship said: “I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little…I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty…For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Lastly, when life seems impossible for you to bear, turn your eyes to God. Look to Him in faith believing that He has the power to comfort you and to strengthen you – for no matter what your feelings may be, God is still with you. Whatever the circumstances of your worrying, He will show you the way out. For the Lord watches over us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.

So turn to the Lord again and trust Him now.

Let us pray…

Dear God, we need you. Please give us faith. Amen.

 

Maintenance Shell Script – iMac (Lion)

Shell script performs certain maintenance tasks on OS X 10.7. It has been verified on OS X 10.5

##### Declaring some functions

iMac_uptime()
{
echo “”
echo -n “This iMac has been running for “
uptime | awk ‘{print $3, $4, $5 “mins” }’ | sed ‘s/,/ /g’ | sed ‘s/:/ hour /g’
}

cacheSize()
{
SIZE=0
for a in `du -sk /Library/Caches/ \
/System/Library/Caches/ ~/Library/Caches/ | cut -f 1`
do
SIZE=`expr $SIZE + $a`
done
SIZEINMEGABYTE=`expr $SIZE \/ 1024`
echo “The Caches size is $SIZEINMEGABYTE MB”
}

clearCache()
{

cacheSize

echo -n “cleaning Caches … “
sudo rm -r ~/Library/Caches/*
sudo rm -r /Library/Caches/*
sudo rm -r /System/Library/Caches/*
echo done

cacheSize
}

repairPermissions()
{
sudo diskutil repairPermissions / \
| grep -v “We are using special permissions for the file or directory” \
| grep -v “We are using a special gid for the file or directory”
# If you have more then one disk/partition please copy the code above
# and replace the “/” on the first line of code with the mount point of
# your partition / disk. Example: /Volumes/MyDisk
}

{
sudo diskutil verifyVolume /
# If you have more then one disk/partition please copy the code above
# and replace the “/” on the first line of code with the mount point of
# your partition / disk. Example: /Volumes/MyDisk
}

runPeriodic()
{
echo “running periodic jobs … “
sudo periodic daily weekly monthly
echo done
}

updatePrebindings()
{
echo “updating prebinding information … “
sudo update_prebinding -root /
echo done
}

verifyPreferenceFiles()
{
sudo plutil -s ~/Library/Preferences/*.plist
sudo plutil -s /Library/Preferences/*.plist
}

menu()
{
clear
date
echo “

1 Repair Filesystem Permissions
2 Verify Disks
3 Run Periodic (cron) jobs
4 Update Prebindings
5 Verify Preference Files
6 Display Caches size
7 Clear Caches
8 All
u iMac Uptime
q Quit Script

“
echo -n “Please enter your choice: “
read CHOICE
}
################################################################################

while true
do
menu
case $CHOICE in

1)
repairPermissions
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

2)
verifyDisks
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

3)
runPeriodic
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

4)
updatePrebindings
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

5)
verifyPreferenceFiles
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

6)
cacheSize
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

7)
clearCache
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

8)
verifyDisks
repairPermissions
verifyPreferenceFiles
runPeriodic
updatePrebindings
clearCache
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue”
read
;;

u|U)
iMac_uptime
echo “”
echo -n “Press ENTER to continue…”
read
;;

q|Q)
exit 0
;;

*)
echo menu
;;

esac
done

PI: here’s the output file to 1,000,000 digits

pi1000000

Top Films 2011

My favourite films of 2011. Not all were released last year (I rediscovered John Boorman’s 1981 classic take on the Arthurian legend in Excalibur for example as well as the original Tron from 1982) . Tangled was a charming film. I was terrified by Buried and shocked by The Loved Ones and The Woman. Enjoyed Sucker Punch and strangely The Ward. The last Harry Potter was well worth the admission price as indeed was the gripping and beautiful Black Sawn. Anyway the list is here…

My top Films 2011

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,700 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Basic (yet vital) liturgy and reflections for Christmas Day…

Christmas Day 11

Joyful Song

In this season above all fostering the virtue of being thankful and recognising how fortunate we are seems reasonable advice to give. Especially for all the enrichment that has come to us in Christ Jesus. As Paul writes:“It is God himself who has invited us to share in the life of his Son…and God keeps faith.” (1 Cor.1:9). And God keeps His promises. Last week, the kids had just got home from school, and Isaac spotted this beautiful rainbow. I was starting to prep this service (and if truth be told had writer’s block) – but his cries to come and see the sky from his bedroom window inspired me towards today’s Bible passages.

The first text from Luke – the prophetic Christmas song of Zechariah (often called the Benedictus) – talks about the coming of a Saviour who would redeem his people. Zechariah’s joyful praise (he’s only just got his voice back. He was struck dumb for not believing the angel’s message about the birth of his son John which you can read earlier in the chapter) recalls hundreds of years of God’s sovereign work in history, beginning with Abraham, His servant David, and going on into eternity.He mentions something very significant – that God “remembers His sacred covenant.” (Lk.1:72).

The holy covenants of God were sealed by signs. With Abraham the sign of circumcision was given, and with Noah, many generations earlier, the Lord said: “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.” (Gen.9:13). That’s why there’s a rainbow above the Lord’s throne (Rev.4:3). Because God looks on it to remember His everlasting promise to all generations and with all creation. Confirmation alluded to by Paul in the 2nd text where he writes, and I paraphrase:“You possess full knowledge…as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, free from all blame on the Day of the Lord.” (1 Cor.1:5-8).

God’s people will be known by the fruit they produce, the praises they sing and the hope and joy they have in Christ – the promised Messiah – who came in Zechariah’s lifetime; who comes to us and empowers us today by His Holy Spirit; and who will come again in glory at the right time in the future.

The rainbow and the Benedictus comfort us as they remind us that God is in control. Therefore, we must be grateful and joyful to Him for the wonder of His loving care – even in the face of adversity. That’s the rub isn’t it? There are so many experiences which come to us for which it would be unthinkable to offer praise and thanks to God!

For example, we’re not going to thank God for the deep sense of loss we feel at the death of a loved one, are we? We’re cannot be grateful for our parents or, sadly, children leaving us. We can be jubilant that their many health problems are gone; and we can be grateful for all the wonderful, lasting memories we have.

We do not always understand many of the unpleasant experiences which life brings, but from these situations we can learn that God is faithful, can be trusted and will keep us safe, no matter what. Faith in Jesus lights up the soul, and like Zechariah causes mute people to shout for joy! Rather helpfully, CS Lewis (himself no stranger to pain and suffering) said: “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.” So faith is the foundation for JOY.

Zechariah’s faith in the coming Messiah would save his people from their enemies, would bring good out of evil and “those who live in the dark shadow of death will be guided onto paths of peace… The bright dawn of salvation will rise on us all”  and joy will come out of sadness. (Lk.1:78-79). What’s more Zechariah’s own son, John, would have a ministry in the events to come. Although God has unlimited power, He chooses to work through frail humans who often have their doubts. But even if our faith in Christ is weak – remember a bad situation is never a final situation. Follow the star and trust in all circumstances. For after the rain, comes the sunshine in which we may even see a rainbow.

We’ve just sung Zechariah’s song! The Benedictus is an expression of a long and steadfast hope in God despite personal troubles. As I said earlier it can help us grasp the big themes of God’s story: the knowledge of salvation, forgiveness and reconciliation. Advent naturally leads us, and invites us, to discover all these things in the manger once again. This is what being a people of The Book, people of the story is all about.

It’s real worship. To sing of a God who remembers promises. To sing of a God who is not content to stand at a distance – but to be physically born into this messed up world so He could guide our feet into the way of peace and fully understand what it is to be human living in the shadow of death.

What would you say is one of the things we admire most about people? Think of politicians particularly. We vote for them hoping they will be faithful to their word. Yet people continually change their minds and their plans, or even their policies without hesitation.

But God is faithful to His Word. He’s kept it in the past and He will keep it in the future. The motive of His holy covenants was to bless all the nations of the earth. And beginning with the rainbow, Abraham, David, the birth of John, and above all of Jesus, that is the promise which the Lord is fulfilling now. He comes to save and deliver because of His mercy and compassion and desire for us to live as He created us to be.

Advent keeps us in anticipation of “the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.1:8) – that day of promise and hope, as Zechariah’s prophecy intended. For Bethlehem takes on a much deeper meaning and we can understand – have that knowledge which Paul speaks of – to be ready for Christ’s visible appearing at the end of history and time as we know it.

Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man. Therefore, we hear good news when we hear Zechariah’s Christmas song. So make it No.1 in your lives this year. And rejoice! For you know where indescribable joy comes from.

The King’s Highway

We’re not in the grip of a “BIG freeze” like we were this time last year. A mild autumn has confused nature – with ducklings being born and bulbs appearing too early. They may not survive. It will get colder. The trees will be thick with frost,  as winter sets in. Despite being stuck in the cold season’s icy clutches, when the sun sparkles and the ice starts to thaw – somehow everything is transformed.

I always think of Narnia. CS Lewis’ imaginary land, ruled by the evil white witch, under whose oppression it is “always winter and never Christmas.” But then as her reign diminishes under the power of good – the land springs back into life: “The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wilderness. The desert will sing and shout for joy.” (Is.35:1-2). I wonder if Lewis, who became a Christian after much searching, debating and doubt, was inspired by these verses?

In fact the entire chapter is inspirational. Joy is like a light shining in a dark place…“The blind will be able to see”… (Is.35:5) as they wait for God’s promises to come true. It’s amazing grace – I once was blind, but now I see – that opens us up, spiritually, to see and hear the Gospel truth. Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen – the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” (Mt.11:4-5).

Last week we looked at John’s dramatic entrance onto the scene. The voice in the wilderness, breaking centuries of silence. His fiery preaching got people panicking. Repent and believe the rule of God. I am only preparing the way for someone much greater who will bring judgement and destruction. John’s Messiah was eagerly anticipated. He awakened the nation’s hope. But his cousin Jesus, whom He had baptised and of whom he had said: “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn.1:29) had confused him. Rome hadn’t been violently overthrown by the Messiah. So from prison John makes enquiries as to whether Jesus really was the much longed for promised Saviour. Jesus answered John’s doubts by pointing to His healing miracles. With so much evidence, His identity was obvious. When CS Lewis looked at the proof in Scripture – it changed his life. It changed my life too. If it hasn’t already, God’s Word can also change yours.

We all need to find the Way. Something Isaiah describes as “The Road of Holiness” (35:8) – a road which doesn’t lead nowhere, but is the way that righteous pilgrims take from the desert of suffering to the joy of God’s home – Zion the heavenly city. And on His highway God walks with us; He is always beside us as we journey. JOY to the world the Lord has come! It’s been over 2,000 years, but Advent brings assurance that this truth still prevails.

Infinite joy is offered to us. But then as Lewis states: “We are half hearted creatures fooling about with all the wrong things, so when the offer comes our way we’re like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday by the sea!”

It’s so easy to miss the whole point of Christmas. At His birth, Jesus brought tidings of comfort and joy. He brings sustenance and growth to hungry, broken and dry seeking hearts: “Streams of water will flow…” says the prophet (Is.35:6). Symbolism elaborated by Jesus Himself who says: “Whoever believes in me, streams of life-giving water will pour out from his heart.” (Jn.7:38).

There’s amazing joy in the Christmas story. Mary can’t contain herself. We sang her song: “Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight, the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.” And Isaiah’s prediction mentions tired hands and weak knees. Almost as if he’s saying, “stop playing in the mud” – God is coming to your rescue. (35:3-4). Jesus reminds us in Matthew’s Gospel that often we only see what we expect to see. We can be blind and deaf ourselves to what Christmas is all about. In three weeks time it is a day of rejoicing for with Jesus’ birth comes the ability for us to overcome sin and sadness, because our Lord loved us enough to become one like us.

O come, O come, Immanuel. We need “our eyes and ears of faith” re-focused, and cleaned out. John was disappointed when he heard what Jesus was doing. He wasn’t conquering the Romans. He wasn’t cleansing the nation as it was believed He should be. Nevertheless what Jesus did was close the path to misery, open wide our heavenly home, and make safe the way that leads on high.

Those hymn lyrics about Christ’s coming, and that two out of our five candles are now lit, signify that the light will soon be greater than the darkness. With Christ’s light new things are possible, as little grows in the dark: “Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue” the OT prophecy reminds us (Is.35:4). Advent is a journey to joy. When we realise the height, width and depth of God’s love for us, our hearts can’t help but leap for joy: “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” Jesus says (Mt.11:6).

This is the dream and vision of the Gospel. We can all joyfully participate in it. The King’s Highway, the Way of Holiness, cuts through our spiritual wilderness, traverses through the barren sands of our toughest times, and makes us bloom like a desert flower.

Christmas is about the coming of the kingdom of God and about the salvation of the world. Moreover it is our personal redemption and being able to participate in God’s story that brings great joy. Jesus showed us the Way, He walked the Way, He taught the Way and His Spirit is here now, at work in the world, in our church, in our lives and so we are not alone and we have nothing to fear.

The promise is sure for those who choose to travel the Holy Way. Therefore, let go of all the “Christmas clutter” – and may joy be yours this Christmas time.