Christmas

Christmas is Good news of GREAT joy!

Christmas is Good news of GREAT joy! Bishop Paul Smith highlights a wonderful word in the message of the Angel to the Bethlehem Shepherds, good news of GREAT Joy.

Singing your heart to the Lord, during Advent

Let’s sing to the Lord with hope. Bishop Paul Smith reflects on two contemporary Christians songs that taught him the meaning and heart of the Christian festival of Advent.

The King who rules the Servant Kingdom

Bishop Paul Smith points to the surprising “unexpected upside down” Kingdom that is ruled over by our Lord Jesus. His power is shown in weakness and his strength is in serving. That is not how mighty kings are portrayed in movies!”

Come Lord Jesus, come, into this weary world

Advent and Christmas 2020 will be unlike any other in living memory. Bishop Paul writes his encouragement for Christians to get ready to eagerly share the life-giving hope-filled Good News of Jesus Christ during this Advent Christmas Season.

Christmas Dancing?

In 1966, English composer John Gardner composed a joyful Christmas tune for his adaption of a medieval carol called “Tomorrow will be my dancing day.” In this carol, we are reminded that God is personally interested in each of us and that God dearly loves us.

The Christmas Feast

We celebrate Christmas as a time for feasting. That is why we call Christmas a “Festival” of the Church year. “Festival” comes for the word “feast”. This is not the only reason we gather together…

What about me?

When you hear about missional renewal that is occurring elsewhere, do you ask “what about me?” As if God doesn’t love you enough to bless your community in this way?

The gift of manger hands

Many people know a familiar hymn once sung regularly at confirmations: “Take thou my hand and lead me.”

A Kingdom of Care

The most profound description of the way that “King Jesus” rules over us, is discovered in the parable of the “sheep and the goats” in Matthew 25.