Seasonal
Advent: Waiting for the King (Dan 7:1-12)
Dan 7:1-12 As Christmas is approaching, the world is in turmoil. Wars and fighting have always been with us, but the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza feel more acute and closer to home to…
The path to life (Psalm 16)
Psalm 16:1-11 This psalm is used both by Peter at Pentecost and Paul later (Acts 2:27-33; 13:34-39) to support the idea that Messiah had to die and be raised to life again, thus it is an appropriate passage to reflect…
How can we face trouble with hope? (Psalm 27)
Ps 27:1-14 The New Year gives us a sense of a new beginning, a chance to re-think our priorities, to break old patterns and establish new ones. If we got stuck in bad habits, or our thinking and emotions move…
The good news that calls for a response (Luke 2:8-20)
Luke 2:8-20 Browsing among Christmas cards recently, I was struck again by how few options exist that have anything to do with the meaning of Christmas. ‘Merry Christmas’ is increasingly replaced by ‘Happy Holidays’ and ‘Seasons’ Greetings’. The odd card…
How God’s power really works (Luke 2:1-7)
Luke 2:1-7 My father worked in import-export during the Communist era in Hungary. He was an avid reader, particularly of history, and on business trips abroad he often bought books that the regime would not allow in the country because…
Pondering God’s salvation (Luke 1:57-80)
Luke 1:57-80 As a new Christian reading through the gospels, I remember puzzling over the way they presented what salvation meant, which sounded far less spiritual than I expected. Some incidents connected the concept to being delivered from danger or…
How God’s faithfulness turns the tables (Luke 1:39-56)
Luke 1:39-56 Who has not known the feelings of elation when God’s plans come to fruition in our lives? We may have promises that we cling to, hopes that the Lord will come through for us and then we wait…
God’s unexpected plan and our response (Luke 1:26-38)
Luke 1:26-38 When my husband and I considered moving to New Zealand, it seemed logical to settle in Christchurch where his family is based, but when on a visit we explored jobs (especially for me), no door was opening. We…
What it takes to prepare for God’s coming (Luke 1:5-25)
Luke 1:5-25 In my twenties I was involved in a Christian mission reaching out to international students in the UK. I was to live with a host family that year who had a room with a separate phone line and…
Remember what He told you! (Luke 24:1-12)
Luke 24:1-12 A girl in my youth group wished she had lived in Jesus’ time and could have met Him in the flesh. I suspect we can all relate to that desire. How much better it would be if we…