General Chat

Good morning :-)



Thank you for that Dermot - interesting and informative. :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today:

O Lord Jesus Christ,
who at your first coming sent your messenger
to prepare your way before you:
grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries
may likewise so prepare and make ready your way
by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,
that at your second coming to judge the world
we may be found an acceptable people in your sight;
for you are alive and reign with the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The gospel tells the story of St. John the Baptist's imprisonment and the reaction of Jesus.


Hope everyone is well. Cx :-)

Baby Jesus in the manger is adored by Muslims too.

The myth of Islamic intolerance pervades the West as the festive season of Christmas draws near.

As a child, I did not really understand what Christmas was about; all I knew was that it was celebrating the birth of Jesus. Later in life as a student of theology, I discovered that Muslims and Christians share a common theological heritage where both faiths revere Jesus and his mother.

These similarities have sadly become sullied throughout history because Islam and Christianity are often portrayed as implacable enemies embroiled in conflict.

Despite the troubled history, there have been eras when Christians and Muslims have coexisted in peace. This legacy of peace can be traced as far back as the seventh century, since the beginning of the revelation of the Koran.

(Excerpt from a thoughtful & an informative article by Sajda Khan in today’s Times.)

Good morning :-)


I will remember the reason for the season

In the quiet of the morning, dear Lord, I feel you tug on my heart and whisper in my ear this season to remember: those who are alone, those who mourn loved ones and days gone by, and those who have lost the joy in the gift of life that you have given us today.

Help me feel your presence in the busy-ness of this season, and to remember the simplicity of your message; to remember you are at the centre of my life, to give from my heart by extending a hand in compassion, and to come together in community to give praise and thanksgiving.

I remember the joy in your promise of life everlasting, the promise that began with your birth.

Amen.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Lord

Help us to love and connect with others, all human beings who are one in the universe. Sharing and caring support us during both dark and light times.

Help us to rest in your infinite love when we are consumed by doubt and the dark—to know that the light is always there for us.

Help us to celebrate the coming of the light through the birth of Jesus Christ this Advent season.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Lovely to see you popping in kandj, you remain in our thoughts and prayers <3


Dermot, I hadn't heard about the Archbishops being refused entry - was a reason given?


Rather damp in this area today.......and unseasonally mild..

O Lord, help me prepare for this sacred and joyous season.

As the season becomes hectic, help me to remember to slow down and enjoy the love of my family, friends and church community.

Allow me to recognize those in need and realize that time, friendship and love are the greatest and often the most cherished gifts during the Christmas season. Amen.



Cx :-)

Three archbishops from Iraq & Syria were refused entry into the UK despite being invited by the country’s Syriac Orthodox Church.

Archbishop Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf of Mosul, Archbishop of St Matthew’s Timothius Mousa Shamani and Archbishop Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh of Homs and Hama, were all refused UK visas which would have enabled them to attend the consecration of the UK’s first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, last month.

(Catholic Herald).

Hello all

Amen to you Advent prayer for today Cynthia. I hope that you will have a
more peaceful day than yesterday.

All routine for hubbies hospital appointment on Monday, but this is always a painful
and weary time for him and especially as he is still unwell now
We were both sad to hear the Consultant tell us that he is taking early retirement and won't be around for our next visit. He is a gentleman of the old school of medicine and has taken good care of hubby with all his ongoing medical conditions but also has been very supportive of my carer's role too. We will certainly miss him as will the staff and many of the patients too. He deserves a long happy retirement.

Sending warm thoughts and gentle hugs to all in need today. xxx

Good morning :)

We continue our Advent journey.........


Loving and powerful God,
Some days I can only be in awe of your power and love.

You never tire of supporting me.
I constantly ask for help
knowing you will always be there.

From some place deep in my soul,
I hear you calling me by name
and I prepare with a joyful heart for your coming.

Grant me the gift of hope, patience and waiting in these Advent days
because I want the focus of my waiting to be on you.

I want to praise and glorify you with my life.
Let me live my gratitude to you, rejoicing!


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lots of fog around this morning - take care everyone........ <3



Why do I find it so difficult to offer an Advent prayer?
So many other things crowd out God’s message?

I know I need to slow down—take a deep breath and clear my head.
But so much gets in the way. So many solicitations for time—and money,
The endless computer messages, Gift catalogues overflowing my mailbox.

What do I do to hear the good tidings of Advent? First, I need to open myself to the Advent message.

This means shutting out much of the daily noise. I need to experience my personal Advent. And prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. So I may celebrate in my soul.

Peace on Earth, good will toward all.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Such a tiring weekend and I am hoping to catch up with things this week - I can but hope :-D


Yes Dermot, I heard about that statue. It seem as though it has caused controversy from day one. Hopefully, a peaceful conclusion may be reached.

As we continue our Advent journey, we thank God for each day

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of light and the morning sunrise that stirs the heart and awakens our souls to the possibilities of each new day;

Thank You, Lord, for bringing light into our darkness, and for the gifts of hope, love and happiness;

We ask for strength, wisdom and courage—so that we may be worthy of your gifts. And we pray that we will forever show our gratitude through service to you and your creation. Amen.


Cx :-)

Anger in France as locals are forced to take down a statue of the Virgin Mary that stands over their town because of a ban on displaying religious images.

The statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in 2011 despite the national ban. An order to have it removed was made in January 2015 but was ignored. Now a judge has threatened Publier with a daily fine if they do not comply.

Publier's mayor said it will be moved to private land within three months.

Well done Cynthia and all on your fund raising. :-)

Good morning :-)


Lovely to see you kandj <3


Our Fair went very well yesterday and we raised £2,200 for church funds, so a very worthwhile day. People work so hard for this sort of event and we are grateful for their support. I was selling reindeer food and reindeer noses (!) along side my speciality coffees and we were all 'reindeer-ed' out :-D

The Collect (special prayer) for today....

O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power
and come among us,
and with great might succour us;
that whereas, through our sins and wickedness
we are grievously hindered
in running the race that is set before us,
your bountiful grace and mercy
may speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.


The Gospel is part of the story of St. John the Baptist.


Love to all Cx :-)

Lovely to see you posting kandj. Hope all goes well
on Monday <3

Hello all

Just popping in to hope you all are well and warm today. Very many thanks for all your
kind thoughts and prayers. Hubby has a hospital routine appointment and we both hope and pray for a good visit for us on Monday.

Our village church joined in last Saturday's Christmas Market and although we weren't able to go along, I sent my usual goody donations for the cake stall. Every little helps.
I hope all goes well today Cynthia and that folk come along and spend generously.

Good morning :-)

Talking about one's faith is often difficult for the reasons I mentioned yesterday. I love the quote often contributed to St. Francis......"Preach the gospel, use words if you must". For the Christian, their lifestyle and behaviour should really indicate their faith.

We continue along the Advent road...

Lord,
You challenge us this Advent time
This season of preparation
To put aside our pride
And understand our need
For repentance
Forgiveness
And mercy
Less of self
More of you
Preparation for our journey
To the stable and beyond
Purify our hearts
Sanctify our lives
That we might serve you
Faithfully this day and all days. Amen


Today is our church Christmas Fair. Many willing volunteers have been busy setting up stalls, baking, making goods and generally preparing for this day. We pray that it will be successful and that everyone has a good time.


Cx :-)

I agree with you Cynthia on the subject of talking about
ones beliefs.
I find this personal to me and feel I do not need to explain
it to anyone.
What you say makes sense to me :-)

Good morning :-)


Its all very well people being encouraged to talk about their faith, but many are caught between the trap of receiving negative reaction and being accused of ramming the faith down people's throats. The latter can, quite often, put people off the faith and that is the last thing a Christian wants to do. Hope that makes sense. :-)

Continuing our Advent journey...

Jesus, protector,
I long for your coming.
The promise of new light is there
if only I can believe.
Protect me from dangers
and lead me through the gloom and darkness
to the joy I so long to find in you.
Lift me from my lowly sins
and give me the promise of salvation
with no more shame,
only the light and saving grace of your love.
Let the ancient dream be fulfilled in you
and peace come to this life and world.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Secular groups said it was “nonsense” that people can’t celebrate Christmas.

Christians must feel free to talk openly about their faith and about Christmas without fearing a negative reaction, the prime minister has said.

Theresa May said in the Commons that people of faith had the right to speak freely, but also “respectfully and responsibly”, about their religion.

(The Times 01.12.16).

Good morning :-)


Has anyone realised that this thread has been going for almost 4 years. I have just had a quick look back at how it was first received - it makes for interesting reading :-D

Haven't heard for JustJohn for a long time - I do hope he is okay. The boards have certainly been quieter since he (and a couple of others ) have gone.


Our Advent journey day 4


God of strength and protection,
I turn to you because I need help.
I long to be free enough
to trust that I can lean on you.
But I become afraid.
Help me to trust in you, Lord.
Your strength and power
are a gentle place of protection.
Be a safe refuge when I am being trampled.
I long for your help, your protecting care.
Help to deliver me from the cold
loneliness of these dark nights.
Amen.


Love to all Cx :-)