Advent has many different themes and people to focus our prayers and reflections on. They can run separately or all at once. One structure is that over these four weeks of advent we reflect on the four themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Another is that we look at Patriarchs, Prophets, John the Baptist and Mary.

In this week of advent the themes of Peace and Prophets collide which can be a surprising mix. Issiah sees a vision of a peaceful kingdom. John the Baptist cries in the wilderness preparing people for Jesus. Both these prophets were happy to “tell it how it is” to kings and rulers even if that meant severe consequences for them – they don’t pull their punches when talking to power. But the idea that the purpose of the prophets challenge is to bring about a peaceful kingdom can be missed.

One of the challenges of advent is to do the difficult things today in order that when tomorrow comes we are ready to receive “The Prince of Peace”. That is one of the reasons that Advent is a Penitential season. A season of repentance. A time of getting our stuff in order – or in the simplest of prayers “Sorry”. That is the path of Advent we are asked to keep walking at this time.

We have a variety of worship and services this weekend that continue our advent journey. Junior Church start to practice for the Nativity at All Saints. Open Church is an informal worship space that is an easy place to get to know people and invite friends. The Advent Carol Sequence at St Marys is a beautifully sung advent service that allows for moments of wonder and reflection.

Services this Sunday – 4th December 2022

10am – St Marys – Open and Creative Church Team – Advent theme

10.30am – All Saints – Sung Holy Communion with Junior Church – Revd Lizzie

6.30pm – St Marys – Advent Sequence – Revd Lizzie

A poem from Malcolm Guite (Parable and Paradox) for your reflections

Repent

Repent, repent! What can it mean to me,

But turn around, let go, release, relent,

Unshackle your dark mind and set it free.

Your heart always knew better, so repent!

Repent the cringing and the compromise,

The whole long sorry settlement with sin,

The lowered expectations, the fine lies

That kept the Kingdom locked within.

Your demons threatened dreadful things: they lied!

Repent, resist their tyranny, withstand

The false advances of the prince of pride.

The King is coming, he is on your side,

Rise with him now, rise up and make a stand.

Repent! The true fulfilment is at hand!

Revd Lizzie