Thought for the Week by Rev’d Vicci
Friends
Sheila Cassidy writes in the book: Confessions of a lapsed Catholic – “Christian society in Britain has domesticated the Gospel. It is geared to loving God in moderation. We may give alms to the poor, visit the sick and the lonely, hold annual bazaars and flag days for those in need – in fact do any good works that do not threaten the pattern of our society. But to demand justice at the expense of people’s comfort of security – that makes us troublemakers.”
Well you can decide for yourself whether or not you think she’s right. But we have domesticated our thoughts about angels. We make cutesy little figurines, we put on annual plays in which tiny little four year olds in white pillow cases, with a sprinkling of silver tinsel stand before the congregations and proclaim with varying levels of confidence “You don’t need to be afraid”. No, of course I don’t need to be afraid! You are a third of my height, you weigh a 10th of what I weigh, if you do something I don’t like, I merely have to pick you up to stop you doing it – why on earth would I be afraid?
But the shepherds were afraid. The messengers of God inspire awe and the glory of God is both fearful and wonderful.
I wonder what feelings Christmas has brought for you this year?
Awe and wonder?
Stress and worry?
Joy and peace?
I wonder as we think on angels and wise men, a baby and a star what comes into our minds?
A time for over-indulgence of ourselves and our small relatives?
A time for extra church services and a reorienting of our prayer life?
A time for hope?
Let’s just stand for one moment today and allow ourselves to feel what we would have felt had an angel stood before us, and we, with no knowledge of how the story was to unfold, felt the glory of God around us.
In other news:
We are planning to have a retiring offering throughout January to support the work done by the Methodist Church (World Mission Fund) in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines as they try to rebuild after a number of severe cyclones. Please either make an offering at the end of the service or donate directly via the Methodist Church website (the page is called "Give to the World Mission Fund" - please note that this website is not hosted by Windsor Methodist Church.)
Our friends at St. Edwards' Roman Catholic Church are hosting the Peace Light service at 5pm on Tuesday the 23rd of December and all are welcome.
God bless, Vicci