Dear All,

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined” Isaiah 9:2

I wonder if you have ever been for a really early morning walk, and watched the first glimpses of the sun coming up? Have you watched the subtle changes in the sky, as it begins to slowly change colour, or heard the very first birds begin to sing their song? Have you been amazed by the brightness and wonder of the sun creeping over the horizon, changing everything as it brings its light?

Today is Advent Sunday – the beginning of our journey together through the season of Advent. As we begin our journey through this special season together, we are called to seek this light. As with the dawning of the sun, we need to watch and listen, looking for those little glimpses of life that tell us something amazing is about to happen. We need to be prepared for the impact of that amazing light – for it will chase away all the darkness, and bring a warmth that nothing else can give. The moment that we find that light, shining from the poverty of a stable, from the innocence and helplessness of a baby, we will see the face of God and we will truly understand these words from Isaiah.

As we travel together through this season of Advent, we must ask ourselves this question – how can we make our hearts ready for the coming of the Christ Child? Our God came down from heaven to meet with us, how can we be ready to welcome him in?

I came across this meditation in the Northumberland Celtic Prayer book, and I wanted to share it with you now.

Making our hearts ready

We make our hearts ready
for the king of Glory to come in.

Through the doors of our heart,
though they are made of only the simplest wood.

We make our hearts ready
for the king of glory to come in.

We open these doors now,
fully and completely
with all of our will and all of our strength.

with all our uncertainty and all of our weakness we pray,

come dwell among us and be our peace today.

Amen.

Over the coming weeks, we have a number of extra services and Christmas celebrations going on around the Benefice. We thought it would be helpful to put these all in one place, so that you can see what is going on.

Advent Zoom