Fourth Sunday of Advent

He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.                                           Micah 5:1

 

I used to think farming was all about the sheep, and then I got really in to land and soil, and ecology, and cows, and even the economics of it, and these days I know it’s all those things… yup… but above all it’s about the people … You have to be intelligent, stubborn, stoical. You need stickability – you have to endure. You need to be observant … My father died … he was not a talker but taught by example. He worked hard and modestly. That’s what I’m working on. – James Rebanks
 
Third Sunday of Advent – GAUDETE

Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.

– Philippians 4

 

… Unseen, you are fed by the Spirit,
sustained by an energy of love,
the power of a hope that is greater than you,
a heart who treasures you, who lifts you, who includes you,
who believes in you.
You are doing a hard thing.
But it is the Infinite One in you who is working the hardest.
Let yourself be carried.

– Steve Garnaas-Holmes
 
Second Sunday of Advent

I am confident of this,
that the one who began a good work in you
will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus.                 Philippians 1

So often it feels as if there’s nothing we can do to make a difference, with everything that’s going on – but I know we can each bring colour, fragrance and life to the world around us … Everywhere you plant your feet today is holy ground, after all – and it’s ready for the seeds of hope we’ll plant together. – Barbara Brown Taylor

 

First Sunday of Advent

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all,
just as we have for you,
so as to strengthen your hearts.         1 Thessalonians 3

Gandalf, the wise wizard in J.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’, echoes Paul’s words to us today:

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”