Less than two weeks ago the final post in our advent series of guest blogs launched into the blogosphere and subsequently we welcomed in the first day of Christmas, yet it seems much longer. I awoke recently to the radio and heard a discussion about whether the 5th or 6th January marks the 12th Day … Continue reading Changing Seasons
God
Love Abides
Written by Dawn Cole-Savidge Love may abide here I will, to abide in loveNot in loves absence I look a my babies overwhelmed by the love I have, literally overwhelmed. It's almost painful. This time last year my world was changed, I remember feeling terrified, unsure, out of my depth. I've watched them grow over … Continue reading Love Abides
Joy
By Matthew Forsyth At the start of my ministry journey at a local church in South London I remember saying at the start of my sermon ‘I am not here for your happiness but for your joy’ The faces of those in the congregation certainly seemed to reflect what is largely misunderstand about happiness vs … Continue reading Joy
Hoped For…
Written by Ashley Cooper Have you bought all your gifts yet? I imagine that more of our Christmas shopping will be done online this year than any other year. The internet is amazing, but I do miss going round the stores searching for that perfect gift. And when it’s for someone really special, we take … Continue reading Hoped For…
Love Your Enemies
Written by Steve Tinning Every Christmas we celebrate that cosmic movement of love. “Love came down at Christmas” we sing (or used to). Acts of love are so stunningly precious – but acts of love for those who all too often don’t reciprocate or even acknowledge that love are quite extraordinary. It’s for this reason, … Continue reading Love Your Enemies
Love
Written by Dave Griffiths Love Love is possibly both an overused and underused word at the same time! In the English language we have one clumsy word for Love and one clumsy word for God. Well, most of the time. Let’s try and be a bit more expressive, shall we? Another way to explain Love... … Continue reading Love
Joy
By Chris Duffett Chris Duffett is a Baptist Minister, an Artist, and Founder of The Light College & Collective This post is part of an advent series. Twenty-Four diverse voices have been invited to share some thoughts on one of four themes (Hope, Peace, Joy and Love) each day during the season of Advent. Each contributor has … Continue reading Joy
A Handful of Poems
Written by Deborah Fielding Love We hold glanceswhen we cannot presshands. The weight lifts for atime.~ 23/11/2020 #BeKindKindness is not justa superficial absenceof hatred. It’s L O V E.~ 15/10/2020 My White SkinMy white skin means thatI have never had to thinkabout my white skin. ~ 27/6/2020 InclusivityWe thought an openinvitation was enough.It was not … Continue reading A Handful of Poems
Love Came Down at Christmas
Written by Geoff Colmer In November 2019, I had the privilege of taking the funeral of a friend, Keith Roberts, who was one of those formative influences upon my life over thirty years earlier. He introduced me to a book which has shaped how I understand love: Love’s Endeavour, Love’s Expense, by W.H. Vanstone. On … Continue reading Love Came Down at Christmas
Joy is Coming
Written by Patch Davies Joy feels hard to find this year. All of the usual advent markers seem absent, or so heavily modified that they barely resemble what we’re used to. From carol services (or any service for that matter), Christingles, nativities, to the light switch-on in town and present-wrapping on the High Street. From … Continue reading Joy is Coming
The Broken Church 