16th February 2025 at 10.30am – 3rd Sunday before Lent – Eucharist

Posted on February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Jeremiah 7.5-10

For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors for ever and ever.

Here you are, trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‘We are safe!’—only to go on doing all these abominations?

Luke 6.17-26

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.

‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

Scripture quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

The Sermon
Prepared by Catherine B.

Do any of you here grow fruit trees? What does your tree need in order to provide apples, plums, pears or cherries?

Good soil. The right amount of water. Bees.

If there’s too little, or too much, rain, poor soil or no bees, the tree will wither, its leaves will fade and drop. It will struggle to flower or bear fruit. It will become weak and susceptible to disease.

The Biblical writers knew this well. And so they love to use images of plants to describe the condition of God’s people and kingdom. Jesus tells parables about fig trees, vineyards, mustard seeds and sowing seed on different soils. Isaiah describes both a vineyard of sour grapes and trees clapping their hands in joy. The wise people of Psalm 1 are like trees planted by streams. The wicked are like chaff blown away in the wind.

Today’s passage from Jeremiah echoes Psalm 1 – God says: those who trust in mere human ways are to be cursed. They’re like a shrub trying to survive in the dry, salty, lonely wilderness.

Those who trust in God are like trees planted by water. Hot, dry times will come, but their roots will be able to find the water they need. Their leaves will stay green, they will continue to bear fruit. They will have all they need to survive without fear.

But times are turbulent and the people of God are about to be brutally uprooted.

6 centuries before Jesus, Jeremiah knew that catastrophe was imminent. Babylon would invade Judah. Jerusalem would be destroyed. Many people would be taken to Babylon, where they would spend the next 70 years.

Judah’s leaders hoped nearby countries would aid them in resisting the Babylonians. Jeremiah said not. God’s people had fallen so badly astray that their land would be invaded. They would become exiles. They could only accept this and settle down in the foreign land. They should live their lives, grow food, follow their trades, marry and have children there. Unsurprisingly, the people did not like this message.

We need to be aware of this backdrop when understanding today’s passage from Jeremiah.

What happens when you can’t plant your tree by a stream in your own land? When there’s an invader with an axe about to chop it down? How can it flourish and grow? Jeremiah says this: You have no choice – you must leave your land and its streams and go where you are taken. But take seeds from your tree with you. For there are streams and rivers in the land of the invader. Go there. Plant your tree there. Let it grow and bear fruit there.

It was a difficult message. Judah was sacred land: Land promised by God to Abraham. Land that they’d returned to after generations of slavery. Land where their God was. If your land has gone, so it seems, your God has gone too. But Jeremiah says:
Not necessarily. Trust in God, and you can still flourish in a place which is not your homeland.

We know what plants need to thrive and grow. And plants can be symbols of what the people of God need to flourish and grow.

But plants are more than symbols. Like Jeremiah, they too can be prophets. For they display what humanity is doing to God’s world. A struggling plant might be saying:

“your actions have created this dry land where it never rains. They’ve led to this incessant rain drowning my seeds. They’ve polluted the rivers and I can’t cope. And if I can’t grow and produce fruit, you will struggle to thrive too. You may move and try to plant me somewhere else. But ultimately you’ll fight each other over what little good soil remains. If you don’t change your ways, I still might not thrive. And nor might you!”

As the people of God today, we are the stewards of God’s planet. The Anglican Church has explicitly recognised this in the “Five Marks of Mission”. The fifth mark encourages us…

...to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

During the Covid lock-downs, many of us spent time outside in parks and by rivers. There were fewer cars on the roads. The tree blossom seemed more fragrant. We could hear birdsong. The air was cleaner. Times were tough, yes, but for many of us, being in nature was healing.

Let’s remember this. Let’s continue do our bit fulfil the fifth mark of mission. We might plant a tree, or a pot of herbs. But there are plenty of other things we can do to help create an environment in which the natural world will thrive.

Plants are not just symbols for the people of God. Their well-being is affected by our actions. We live in a mutually dependent relationship. If we look after God’s world, God’s world will be there to sustain us too.

The Prayers
Prepared by Barbara W.

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

O God, the creator and preserver of all, we pray for people in every kind of need; make your ways known
on earth, your saving health among all nations …

This week we particularly pray for peace throughout the world.

We particularly pray for Ukraine and all of Europe as Trump tries to serve Ukraine to Putin by excluding
Ukraine and Europe from peace negotiations – please help wiser heads to prevail to stop these tactics. We
pray for the success of the emergency meeting of European leaders convened yesterday by the French
president, Emmanuel Macron and likely to take place on Monday. May they succeed in ensuring damage
limitation following the interventions of Hegseth and the US vice-president Vance, in addition to the
damage already done by US president Trump.

We pray also for the continuing success of the ceasefire in Gaza. Please help all your children in Gaza and
Israel to realise the benefits of a lasting peace and to reject Trump’s interference in Gaza.

We pray for the continued success of citizen-led boycotts of USA products in Canada and Mexico. Please
help us to buy selectively in support of these countries, as they face ever-increasing tariffs imposed by
Trump.

Closer to home, we pray for the survival of steelmaking in this country, which is also affected by Trump’s
swinging tariffs. Please help Britain and the EU to buy steel and aluminium that has been produced in
Europe in preference to that produced by the USA.

We also pray for all those in this country who are feeling the pinch of a harsh climate, financial and
meteorological. Help our government to remember that they were elected to serve all the people of this
country including those most vulnerable because of ill health, disability or age.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for the joint worshipping community of St. Mark’s Broomhill, St. John’s Ranmoor and St. Mary’s
Walkley. Please help us to play our parts in this worshipping community. Help us to help the vulnerable of
our own community, by providing a warm and welcoming place and by supporting our local food bank.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for all babies born prematurely: please help them to thrive and grow into children who are
successful in their everyday lives.

In moments of peace and contemplation, we name to you all those known to us who are suffering. Please
care for them and for all those of whose suffering we are unaware.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We remember those who have gone before us in the peace of Christ, and we give you praise for all your
faithful ones, with whom we rejoice in the communion of saints …

We name to you in our hearts all those known to us both near and far who are suffering the loss of friends
and loved ones, asking that you bring your comfort and healing to them at this time of grief.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

9th February 2025 at 10.30am – 4th Sunday before Lent – Eucharist

Posted on February 9, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 6.1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’
The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

Luke 5.1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

2nd February 2025 10.30am – Candlemas – Eucharist

Posted on February 2, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Romans 12.1-5

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

Luke 2.22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Scripture Quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

26th January 2025 at 10.30am – Third Sunday of Epiphany – Eucharist

Posted on January 26, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Nehemiah 8.1-3, 5-6, 8-10

All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen’, lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’

Luke 4.14-21

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

We have just heard how Jesus begins his life’s work, leaving behind the carpenter’s workshop.

Just before this, he’s been in the wilderness for forty days trying to understand what God wants of him, wrestling mentally with tempting but unworthy ideas about doing God’s work, and putting them firmly to one side.

Now, he marks the start of his three year ministry by going into his local synagogue on the sabbath day. He’s invited to read and preach.

He finds words of the prophet Isaiah which henceforth must guide him in all he does. “The Prophet says: the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight of the blind and to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

Good news to the poor, lifting the burdens of the oppressed.

As I thought about today’s gospel, I had the television on. It showed me someone else who was just beginning what he also sees as his God-given mission for the next four years. He too was beginning his work in a place of worship.

I mean, of course, the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump.

If you watched any of the inauguration ceremonies, you may have been surprised by the amount of religion there was: church services and in the swearing in ceremony in the Capitol, the parliament. America is a religious country in a way we no longer are.

Also surprising, was that, traditionally, the two services were held in Anglican churches, which in America are called Episcopal, the main one being the national cathedral.

But most surprising of all was the sermon given by the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Marrian Budde.

The election of this new president came after a bitter election campaign which has deeply divided America – Republicans and Democrats.

If there was to be unity, she said, it must be based on three foundations – respecting the dignity of all people; speaking truthfully; and being humble.

Then she spoke directly to the President, who was sitting a few feet in front of her. In effect, she was recalling how Jesus began his public ministry, shaping it on God’s priorities: good news for the poor, the lifting of burdens from the oppressed.

She exhorted the president, in the name of God, to have mercy on those who were fearful now of what he might do with his power. People like poor immigrants who toiled day and night to pick the crops, clean the offices, and wash the dishes in the restaurants. They paid their taxes, they were good neighbours, they attended churches. But because they didn’t have the proper documentation, they faced deportation. They and their children, who were Americans by birth, were scared, she said.

Have mercy on them. Treat them with dignity. Acknowledge truthfully their contribution. Be humble.

We talk glibly about speaking truth to power. Usually, the Anglican way is to do that indirectly, subtly. The bishop was anything but. Perhaps that was a mistake. It could be dismissed as discourteous rather than challenging. But truth was spoken to power.

At the end of this service we shall have an American hymn: Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. It was written by Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War and became the battle hymn of the unionist army. Although she came from a privileged family, she campaigned all her life for the abolition of slavery, which is what the civil war was in part about.

Towards the end of the war, Abraham Lincoln began his second term as president. He could have gloated in victory. He could have blamed his opponents for the country’s woes. Instead, he sought to unite a divided nation and start a process of healing. He said this:

“With malice toward none; with charity for all … let us … bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan – to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.”

That generosity, it seems to me, is in the spirit in which Jesus began his ministry and in the spirit of what the bishop of Washington hoped for in her sermon – good news to the poor, lifting the burdens of the oppressed.

For Christians, it’s the spirit that should surely guide all our politics.

The Prayers
Prepared by Barbara.

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

O God, the creator and preserver of all, we pray for people in every kind of need; make your ways known
on earth, your saving health among all nations …
This week we particularly pray for all those whose lives have become significantly worse and more
dangerous since the inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the USA, including both those living in
the USA and those living in Denmark, Greenland, Panama, Mexico and Canada. Please help those
countries to stand up to the USA in this hour of need. None of us want to become Trump’s Ukraine!!!
We pray also for the continuing success of the ceasefire in Gaza. Please help all your children in Gaza and
Israel to realise the benefits of a lasting peace and remind them that they are all “children of the book”.
Closer to home, we pray for the strengthening of trade ties with Europe in preference to making a trade
deal with the USA. Trump has made it clear that he favours his enemies, such as China, over his major
trading partners Canada and Mexico. Help our government to see that with clear eyes, and act
accordingly.

We pray for your Church throughout the world; guide and govern us by your good Spirit, that all who
profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of
spirit, in the bond of peace and in righteousness of life …
We pray for the joint worshipping community of St. Mark’s Broomhill, St. John’s Ranmoor and St. Mary’s
Walkley and welcome Beth Keith as our new Priest in Charge here at St. Mary’s. Please help us to play our
parts in this worshipping community.

We pray also for all Christians living in the USA, that they are more receptive to the Right Rev Mariann
Budde’s plea for mercy to all those now living in fear than Trump was. In her words, “May God grant us all
the strength and courage to honour the dignity of every human being, speak the truth in love, and walk
humbly with one another and our God, for the good of all the people of this nation and the world”.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed, in mind, body
or estate; comfort and relieve them in their need, give them patience in their sufferings, and bring good
out of their troubles …
In moments of peace and contemplation, we name to you all those known to us who are suffering. Please
care for them and for all those of whose suffering we are unaware.
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We remember those who have gone before us in the peace of Christ, and we give you praise for all your
faithful ones, with whom we rejoice in the communion of saints …
We name to you in our hearts all those known to us both near and far who are suffering the loss of friends
and loved ones, asking that you bring your comfort and healing to them at this time of grief.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

19th January 2025 at 10.30am – 2nd Sunday of Epiphany – Eucharist

Posted on January 19, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 62.1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your builder marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.

John 2.1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12th January 2025 at 10.30am – Baptism of Christ – Eucharist

Posted on January 12, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 43.1-7

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my sight,
and honoured, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you;
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up’,
and to the south, ‘Do not withhold;
bring my sons from far away
and my daughters from the end of the earth—
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.’

Luke 3.15-17

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’

Luke 3.21-22

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

My youngest grandchild is called Moses. Because his mother is Jewish.

Like many modern families, my son and his wife are from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

And this poses a question for them. How do you together bring up your children? What are going to be the values by which you raise them?

What parents recognise – or should - is that having a child is not like having a potted plant. True, both need feeding and watering – though, mercifully, a geranium does not have to be entertained – at five in the morning – on Christmas day.

And a geranium is going to be a geranium however much you talk to it.

Children are a different matter. We need to give some thought about how we talk to them and how we behave towards them and around them, because as we do these things we contribute towards shaping their character, we impart to them the values we think matter.

And that's what our religious traditions give us – values, without which our children will grow up confused and all over the place.

Much of this value imparting is done by example. They see the way we treat or speak about one another. Most of the time we unconsciously set values in front of them and they unconsciously absorb them.

This is not to say that our children won't rebel, won't at some point say thank you very much but now I make my own decisions. Of course they will. Some more than others.

But rebellion is not anarchy. Rebels have a point of view, a standpoint, and that often arises out of the very values by which we raised them, though we may not always recognise that. After all, we don't spend too much of our waking lives examining the fundamental values by which we live: we are too busy living. But they are there nonetheless, shaping our attitudes, determining our choices and decisions.

But from time to time we do remind ourselves of those values and refresh and renew them.

I think that's why so many people came through this church and other churches over the Christmas period – they were touching base again with the Biblical story and so the values enshrined in it – the love between parent and child, the deep desire for peace in the earth and goodwill between people. This is why all those families came here to sing carols.

And I think this is what is going on when Jesus came to be baptised by John in the River Jordan. He is renewing his faith, committing himself anew to its fundamental values.

When you do that it gives you the means by which you can make judgements, including judgements about the very traditions in which you were raised. You sometimes rebel.

This is exactly what Jesus goes on to do as he leaves behind the carpenter's workshop in Nazareth and takes to the road as a preacher and teacher.

The values he learns from his Jewish home cause him to say and do things that shock his fellow Jews. He uses the faith in which he has been raised to be critical where people have not understood its implications, or have become blind to what it means.

To give just one example. Jesus takes the teaching that we should love God and our neighbour. But when he is asked who is my neigbour he breaks with Jewish tradition, which had identified the neighbour as fellow Jews. Jesus says no that won't do and he tells a story to make his point. A story in which the hero is not a Jew, but a Samaritan, whom the Jews have no time for. Its the Samaritan who is the good neighbour, who goes to the help of the injured Jew when everyone else walks by on the other side. Jesus makes the point that we can't limit our love to people like us. Charity may begin at home, but it can't stay there. Love has to cross the boundaries of religion and race and reach out to anyone in need.

In the wilderness, John the Baptist calls to his fellow Jews to come and renew their faith by being baptised. They didn't all come. But some did.

One of the things a parish church like St Mary's does, in a sense just by being here, is to remind people that we don't live by bread alone, important though the needs of the body are. We live by values. And from time to time we need to remember those values and recommit ourselves to them. Many of our neighbours did that at Christmas. We do it in this service, every week.

The Prayers

Jesus calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Washed clean by the waters of baptism,
let us pray that we may live the life to which he has called us.

Lord Jesus, eternal Word,
proclaimed as the Christ by John the forerunner,
hear us as we pray for all who proclaim your word
praying especially for Beth as she takes up her new role
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, baptizing with the Spirit and with fire,
strengthen us to withstand all the trials of our faith.
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, bringing forgiveness to all who repent,
teach your Church dependence on your grace.
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, fulfilment of the promises of old,
give hope to all who suffer or are ignored.
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, beloved Son of the Father,
anoint us with the gifts of your Holy Spirit.
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, bringer of hope,
share with all the faithful the riches of eternal life.
Lord of truth,
hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ,
in you the Father makes us and all things new.
Transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory.
Amen.

5th January 2025 at 10.30am – The Epiphany – Eucharist

Posted on January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 by St Mary's

The Readings

Ephesians 3.1-12

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

Matthew 2.1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

The Sermon
Prepared by The Revd Shan Rush.

The night sky and its multitude of stars have always been a source of fascination for me. Here in
the city we can’t really see it in all its splendour. Artificial street lighting, although necessary for
our safety, leads to ‘light pollution’ that restricts our ability to stargaze and enjoy the view, even
when the sky is clear. On New Year’s Day night, I ventured out into my mums garden on the edge
of a town in Somerset to see if I could identify the constellation Corona Borealis described on the
news because Astronomers and stargazers are eagerly awaiting the appearance of a "new" star,
which will come into view in the skies any night now for the first time in 78 years. I was amazed
and rather in awe at how clear the sky was and I had a 360 degree view of the stars. It struck me
that this was how the night sky would have been seen by people in the time of Jesus and that the
magi, what we would call today astronomers, would have seen it without the aid of powerful
telescopes. Their priority would have been to study the movement of the stars in the hope that it
would cast light on what was happening or about to happen on earth. Their background was as
pagans, yet some of them apparently studied what we today call The Old Testament, and believed
in the prophecies that the appearance of a new star or a comet predicted the coming of the
Messiah, the promised Saviour of the world. According to our gospel reading, when these magi
from the east noticed a new star rising, they associated it with the birth of the long awaited King
of the Jews, and so they set out in search of this child to pay him homage.

Matthew recounts that they initially travelled West to Jerusalem seeking the new ruler. This would
probably have been on the assumption that a king would be based there rather than somewhere
more obscure. They only went onto Bethlehem after the chief priests and scribes had told Herod
Micah’s prophecy that the long awaited Messiah would be born there. From his birth, we are
shown that Jesus will be a very different kind of king, one that turns expectations upside down.

From childhood I have had the image of the Magi following a specific star, but realistically, I expect
they had learned to navigate by the positions of many stars, using the night sky as a map and
compass. They would have recognised key constellations and with the knowledge that in general,
stars rise in the east and set in the west, they would have had a basic orientation. This made me
wonder if they mainly travelled under the cover of darkness, or if they also utilised the sun to
travel by day. As we think of our journey through life, it is worth remembering that the magi
needed to utilise more than the tools of their trade, the stars, to lead them to Jesus.

The magi needed knowledge of God’s Word to find the newborn king, snd they needed the chief
priests and scribes, people who knew God’s Word, to help them. So, too, for us. If we want to find
the Christ child, we need God’s Word, and we need each other, with our different skill sets,
knowledge and perspectives.

We are all on a journey, a pilgrimage to find Jesus, and to worship him. The wise men represent all
of us who are ready to follow a star in order to find fullness of life. The world of the Magi probably
wasn’t much different from ours today, they would witness sickness, poverty, danger, armed
conflict and rulers abusing their power. Also like the Magi, our world today sees many people
undertaking perilous journeys in search of a fresh start, a new life. Many of them are fleeing danger
or have been adversely affected by situations that mean their reality is that they feel persecuted,
stripped of their humanity and dignity. Most of us are fortunate to live in comfort and safety but
stressful events and circumstances in our own lives can make us feel overwhelmed and despairing
of the way life is going. The story of the Magi assures us that the guiding light of the Lord shines in
the darkness offering hope for the future of us as individuals and all of humanity.

In “Man’s Search for Meaning” Viktor E. Frankl wrote,

“One day, a few days after the liberation, I walked through the country past flowering meadows,
for miles and miles, toward the market town near the camp... There was no one to be seen for
miles around; there was nothing but the wide earth and sky and the lark’s jubilation and the
freedom of space. I stopped, looked around, and up to the sky – and then I went down on my
knees... I know that on that day, in that hour, my new life started. Step by step I progressed, until I
again became a human being.”

We are changed by meeting Christ. When the magi leave Bethlehem, we read that, having been
warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they return home by a different road. This could be
seen as a metaphor for the transformation that took place in their lives from being someone just
going about their daily business, to becoming someone who wanted to pay homage to Jesus and
who gave him significant gifts. They became People who worshipped Jesus, just as you and I are
doing today. We may not be bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh but we do bring other
gifts they might represent - Gold - the potential within each one of us, Myrrh - the gifts of
compassion and love that offers healing for ourselves and others, Frankincense - our aspirations,
hopes and dreams calling us to closer Communion with God.

This year, as we seek to encounter God in new and exciting ways, may we be guided towards new
perspectives and understanding, find liberation, wholeness and healing, and know fullness of life.
May we be generous in our giving, sharing the gifts each of us possesses that we may be a blessing
to one another as we recognise and receive, learn and walk in, share and reflect Christs light in the
world.
Amen

The Prayers

Today the Magi knelt before our Saviour.
Let us also kneel to worship him with great joy,
and to make our prayer to his heavenly Father.

Father, the Magi came from the east to worship your Son:
grant to Christians everywhere a true spirit of adoration.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, your Son is the King of kings and Lord of lords:
grant an abundance of peace to your world.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, the Holy Family shared the life of the people of Nazareth:
protect in your mercy our neighbours and families,
together with the whole community of which we are part.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, your Son was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor:
show your love for the poor and powerless,
and strengthen all those who suffer.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, the Magi presented to your Son gold, incense and myrrh:
accept the gifts we bring,
and the offering of our hearts at the beginning of this new year.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Father, you are the King of heaven, the hope of all who trust in you:
give to all the faithful departed the wonders of your salvation.
Lord of glory,
hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Magi, shepherds and angels,
and of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph,
we commend ourselves and all Christian people
to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

29th December 2024 10.30am – 1st Sunday of Christmas – Eucharist

Posted on December 29, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

1 Samuel 2.18-20, 26

Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, ‘May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord’; and then they would return to their home.

Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the Lord and with the people.

Luke 2.41-end

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour.

The Sermon
Prepared by Joe, Reader at St Mary's.

In Oscar Wilde’s play, ‘The Importance of being Earnest’, the
formidable Lady Bracknell takes one of the male characters who has
told her that he is an orphan ‘To lose one parent, Mr Worthing, may
be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.’

What Lady Bracknell would have said to Mary and Joseph about
losing track of the Messiah is perhaps best not considered….

Today’s readings, present us with two glimpses into the early lives of
Samuel and Jesus—two figures central to the story of God’s plan of
salvation. We hear of the young Samuel ministering before the Lord,
and of his mother Hannah’s unwavering faith and devotion. And then
we encounter a story from Jesus’ boyhood: his visit to the temple at
the age of twelve, when he stays behind to engage with the teachers
while his parents frantically search for him.

One phrase stands out from both the readings; the boys both “grew
in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”, and these
readings invite us to consider spiritual growth, calling, and obedience
to God.

Samuel’s mother, Hannah was childless for many years and asked
God to give her a son, that she would then dedicate to the Lord.

Samuel was born, and Hannah was true to her word, taking her son
to the temple to serve. She was also blessed with three other sons
and two daughters; we see again how God keeps his promises with
largesse and generosity. Hannah visits Samuel annually, to bring him
a new robe, and from the beginning Samuel was immersed in the
worship of God.

What strikes us here is the faith of Hannah and the faithfulness of
God. Hannah nurtures Samuel in the temple through her visits,
supporting him, expressing her love and devotion. Samuel “grows in
the presence of the Lord”, a sign of God’s blessing on his life and
calling.

Our Gospel reading is the only story of Jesus’ boyhood in the
Gospels. Tales of ‘Jesus: Boy Messiah’ were not recorded!

In many ways this reading tells us all we need to know about Jesus’
life between his babyhood and the start of His ministry. On their way
home from Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph realise that they’ve lost
track of their 12 year old son. Now, this may sound like an example
of what Dr Hibbert in the ‘The Simpsons’ would have called ‘Bad
Parenting’ but it’s worth noting that Jesus, Mary and Joseph would
have been travelling as part of a larger group of friends, relatives and
folks heading in the same direction. They start searching for Jesus,
and eventually locate him…back in the Temple.

When they find him, Mary, unsurprisingly, expresses her
exasperation, worry (and no doubt a bit of annoyance) to Jesus:
“Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been
anxiously searching for you”

Jesus’ response, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s
house?”, reveals his awareness of his relationship with God the
Father.

One might think that Jesus would know all this stuff, so to say, being
fully divine and fully human. But he embraces that fully human
aspect of Himself to immerse himself in the religious teachings of the
day, sitting with the teachers and questioning them.

Both Samuel and Jesus are described as growing in wisdom and
favour with God and other people. We’re told of Samuel:

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour
with the Lord and with people.

Similarly, Luke concludes his account with these words about Jesus:
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God
and man

Growing in wisdom and favour is not just about acquiring knowledge
or achieving success but about deepening our relationship with God
and living in a way that reflects his love and truth. Both Samuel and
Jesus lived lives marked by faithfulness, humility, and obedience to
God’s will.

This is something for us to consider in our spiritual lives as well. For
us, this growth is an ongoing process. We are expected to seek God,
to learn from his Word, and to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us.
Growth in wisdom and favour also means showing kindness,
compassion, and integrity in our relationships with others.

Both these boys experience a calling to God. Samuel was dedicated
to God from birth and grew up to become a great prophet who
would anoint kings. Jesus, even as a child, was aware of his unique
mission to fulfil God’s plan of salvation.

While our callings may not be as dramatic, God has a purpose for
each of our lives. He calls us to love him, to serve others, and to
share the good news of his kingdom. Discovering and living out our
calling isn’t always easy, and requires prayer, discernment, and trust
in God’s guidance. And sometimes, when we are exploring our
calling, our behaviour may be misunderstood by others – even those
we regard to be closest to us. Jesus’ parents are somewhat surprised
at His response to them when they ask about his behaviour:

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I
had to be in my Father’s house?”

Jesus didn’t just want to be at the Temple; he HAD to be there; his
calling dictated it. Similarly, we may face moments of uncertainty or
misunderstanding as we follow God’s leading, but we can trust that
he is with us every step of the way. So – what can we learn from
Samuel and Jesus?

How are we nurturing our own spiritual growth? Even Jesus himself
felt the need to immerse himself in studying scripture with others.
Are we praying, studying and exploring scripture by ourselves and
with others?

How are we encouraging the faith of those around us, especially the
next generation? We’re called to cultivate an environment in which
faith can flourish—both in ourselves and in others. This might mean
encouraging children to participate in the life of the church,
mentoring young people in their faith journeys, or simply living as an
example of Christ’s love and grace that others can follow.

Are we prioritizing time in God’s presence and seeking his wisdom?

Are we finding quiet times when we put aside the world and focus on
listening to the Word of God, even if this means we need to spend
sometime away from family and friends?

How are we responding to God’s calling on our lives? God will not
leave us alone on our faith journey. It’s not always easy to hear Him
in the bustle of the world. But have faith that He will guide us; like
Hannah, we can trust in Him that His promise will be fulfilled.
Amen

The Prayers
Prepared by David.

Let us pray to our incarnate Lord, who has brought us out of darkness and into his own marvellous light.

Christ born for us,
Son of God given for us:
help us to know you,
to worship and to serve you.
Jesus, saviour,
hear our prayer.

Wonderful counsellor,
you order all things with your wisdom:
help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love
and fill her with the Spirit of truth, wisdom and humility.
Jesus, saviour,
hear our prayer.

Mighty God,
the government is on your shoulders:
guide the leaders of the nations
and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness.
Jesus, saviour,
hear our prayer.

Everlasting Father,
you call us to live together in unity:
protect by your mercy all your children,
bless our families and renew our communities of work, learning and recreation.
Jesus, saviour,
hear our prayer.

Prince of peace,
you bring reconciliation through the cross:
by your healing power give to all who suffer
your gift of wholeness and peace.
Jesus, saviour,
hear our prayer.

Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary,
you know us and love us,
you share our lives
and hear our prayer.
Glory to you for ever. Amen.

25th December 2024 at 10.30am – Christmas Day Eucharist

Posted on December 25, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Isaiah 62.6-12

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem,
I have posted sentinels;
all day and all night
they shall never be silent.
You who remind the Lord,
take no rest,
and give him no rest
until he establishes Jerusalem
and makes it renowned throughout the earth.
The Lord has sworn by his right hand
and by his mighty arm:
I will not again give your grain
to be food for your enemies,
and foreigners shall not drink the wine
for which you have laboured;
but those who garner it shall eat it
and praise the Lord,
and those who gather it shall drink it
in my holy courts.

Go through, go through the gates,
prepare the way for the people;
build up, build up the highway,
clear it of stones,
lift up an ensign over the peoples.
The Lord has proclaimed
to the end of the earth:
Say to daughter Zion,
‘See, your salvation comes;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.’
They shall be called, ‘The Holy People,
The Redeemed of the Lord’;
and you shall be called, ‘Sought Out,
A City Not Forsaken.’

Luke 2.1 - 20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

24th December 2024 at 11.30pm – Christmas Midnight Eucharist

Posted on December 24, 2024December 24, 2024 by St Mary's

The Readings

Hebrews 1.1-12

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say,
‘You are my Son;
today I have begotten you’?
Or again,
‘I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son’?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’
Of the angels he says,
‘He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire.’
But of the Son he says,
‘Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever,
and the righteous sceptre is the sceptre of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’
And,
‘In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
like a cloak you will roll them up,
and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.’

John 1.1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

The Sermon
By the Revd Canon Dr Alan Billings.

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.

Of all the stories that are told about Jesus of Nazareth – the hillside sermons, the healings, the last supper, the crucifixion, the rising again – of all the stories, it is surely this one, the birth, that seems to move us the most. We even leave our warm homes and come to church on a December night.

So why does the celebration of the baby at Bethlehem have such power to move us? I think part of the answer is this.

We no longer live in an age of faith. Faith is not something you take in with your mother’s milk. These days there has to be more of a conscious decision or act of will. So we look around, wondering where God is, wanting some sort of sign of his presence.

We do, of course, have signs of God, all the time – though our more hectic and urban world tends to put many out of reach. Take the sign of silence.

I once went camping on the Yorkshire moors, miles from anywhere. It is awesome to stand at night, under the stars, in total darkness, in complete silence. Silence, stillness, peace can be a sign of God. We can become aware of his presence.

But even silence may not be enough. We need more than the sense of God’s presence. We want him to break the silence. We want to know something of his nature, his mind, his purpose. What is God like? This takes us to the sign of the baby in the manger.

Some time ago, at a civic service, I met a journalist from the Sunday Times. She spends her working life writing stories about famous people. She had very clear ideas about the character of various well-known women and men. ‘How do you know what these people are really like,’ I asked. ‘Do you go on what they tell you?’ ‘Good heavens, no,’ she said. ‘I read their body language. That tells me everything.’

Body language. Whatever people say about themselves, their body language gives them away.

This woman says she likes children, but we are not convinced because we see how she reacts when a child comes near. He says he loves his wife, and we believe him, because we see the way he looks at her from across the room.

Body language. The real truth about us is embodied truth, truth made flesh.

And this is the great Christian claim of Christmas: that the truth of God is this night embodied, made flesh. Jesus is a sign of God, because he is, if you like, God’s body language.

Other religions put words before us and tell us to listen. The holy Quran of Islam is said to be God’s words, which Mohammed hears and has written down. Similarly, the prophets and rabbis, the gurus and teachers of all the faiths have plenty of words to put our way. But Christianity invites us to do something different: to read the body language, to see the baby of Bethlehem as the embodied sign of God.

So the Christmas sign of God isn’t words. We are not celebrating tonight the appearance of a book or a creed. Nor have we come here to be harangued, or even preached at!

We are not being told what to do or to think. Like the shepherds and the wise men before us, we approach a manger turned into a crib, and see heavenly love made flesh. How we respond to that is then up to us. We can ignore what we find and go on our way; or we can be spiritually renewed.

Though notice this. If all that was on offer tonight were words, if God had simply preached at us, we might easily have closed ourselves up and become defensive. But God as a baby, coming among us in total vulnerability and with no trappings of wealth or power or position – no threat to us, no power over us - that opens us up, to adore, to love.

The things that normally close us up and stand in the way of our being opened – our selfishness, our snobbery, our posturing, our bullying, our ridiculous self-importance – all that disfiguring nonsense just falls away at the manger. It seems too silly for words.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. The Christmas sign of God is the child in the manger. This is God’s body language. Here, tonight, is the truth about God made flesh.

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath B.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour
was born in human flesh.
Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn.
Protect with your love those who have no home
and all who live in poverty.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour,
brought your Son to birth.
Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness.
Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night the angels sang, ‘Peace to God’s people on earth.’
Strengthen those who work for peace and justice
in all the world.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy.
Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night strangers found the Holy Family,
and saw the baby lying in the manger.
Bless our homes and all whom we love.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night heaven is come down to earth,
and earth is raised to heaven.
Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death
in the hope of your coming kingdom.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth.
Open our hearts that he may be born in us today.
Holy God
hear our prayer.

Father,
in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at
the manger throne.
Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary,
Joseph and the saints
through him who is your Word made flesh,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

St Marys Walkley

The Church on the Road: inclusive, eucharistic, a safe place to be with God

Author: St Mary's

16th February 2025 at 10.30am – 3rd Sunday before Lent – Eucharist

9th February 2025 at 10.30am – 4th Sunday before Lent – Eucharist

2nd February 2025 10.30am – Candlemas – Eucharist

Romans 12.1-5

26th January 2025 at 10.30am – Third Sunday of Epiphany – Eucharist

19th January 2025 at 10.30am – 2nd Sunday of Epiphany – Eucharist

12th January 2025 at 10.30am – Baptism of Christ – Eucharist

5th January 2025 at 10.30am – The Epiphany – Eucharist

29th December 2024 10.30am – 1st Sunday of Christmas – Eucharist

25th December 2024 at 10.30am – Christmas Day Eucharist

24th December 2024 at 11.30pm – Christmas Midnight Eucharist