Viewing all items in Resource Category: Looking at God

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9:6) Approaching Christmas, we are very aware of the political and economic uncertainties that face us. The prophet Isaiah...

‘It’s gonna be a lonely Christmas’. The pressure to have fun with friends and family is real over the Christmas period.  In fact, over nine million people in the UK say they’re always or often lonely. (Red Cross). When Mary became pregnant with Jesus, she probably felt very alone. Her situation would be seen as...

‘It’s gonna be a lonely Christmas’. The pressure to have fun with friends and family is real over the Christmas period. In fact, over nine million people in the UK say they’re always or often lonely. (Red Cross). When Mary became pregnant with Jesus, she probably felt very alone. Her situation would be seen as...

On the BBC’s ‘Today’ programme last Christmas a distinguished atheist revealed that his Christmas routine included attending Midnight Mass. Asked why, he replied that it was the most beautiful story ever told and he didn’t want it to be forgotten. Up and down the country this month, thousands and thousands of parents will be attending...

When I was a boy of about 11, I received my best Christmas present ever – a pair of new football boots. I was so excited,  and had been waiting for them for many weeks beforehand. They were the very latest style, black with a white flash down each side, and rubber studs. I can...

Do you remember the excitement of Christmas Eve when you were a child? There was so much to look forward to the next day, and when you went to bed that night, probably later than usual, you were buzzing with excitement. Eventually you fell asleep and then the next morning you were woken by either...

For many, Christmas is a time of happiness and holiday. An opportunity for parties, concerts, pantomimes and watching children perform nativity plays. We exchange colourful cards, and presents, and prepare special meals for family and friends. We sing carols. We adorn our homes and churches with all kinds of decorations. All our celebrations are a...

The day most of us call ‘Boxing Day’, was when tradesmen used to collect their annual tips from customers. It is named in the Church Calendar as St Stephen’s Day, in memory of the first martyr, stoned to death by an angry crowd because of his faith. That is a shocking footnote to the celebration...

The Fall of the Berlin Wall From the Vicar The Beatitudes: ‘Blessed are the persecuted’ The Two Minute Silence A voice in the night In a fog? All you need is love You are loved by God ** Editor:  The Rev Paul Hardingham considers barriers – and breaking them down. The Fall of the Berlin...

It was 30 years ago this month, on 9th November 1989, that the fall of the Berlin Wall began. Over two million people from East Berlin visited the West in a celebration described as ‘the greatest street party in the history of the world.’ However, we are still living with walls, thinking of those dividing...

It was 30 years ago this month, on 9th November 1989 that the fall of the Berlin Wall began. Over two million people from East Berlin visited the West in a celebration described as ‘the greatest street party in the history of the world.’ However, we are still living with walls, thinking of those dividing...

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matthew 5:10).  Somebody once described a Christian as one who is ‘completely fearless, continually cheerful and constantly in trouble.’ Living the life that Jesus presents in the Beatitudes will not necessarily make us universally popular. We must be prepared...