[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 03/Dec/2023]
It’s December, and at last we can legitimately play Christmas songs and put up decorations. I know there are some crazy people who do that in November, but that’s just weird! With that in mind, as I was putting this Sunday’s service together I delved into my Christmas Carol collection, trying to decide what we are going to launch this advent season with. One of my favourite carols is O Come O Come Emmanuel, and I was struck by how poignant and relevant the lyrics are of that hymn written over 150 years ago.
O come O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Our news reels have been filled with stories of hate, pain, death, and separation. We rejoice at the release of many captives this past week, and yet we recognise that this conflict that has a long history, is far from over and there seems little hope of resolution and peace.
However, during this advent season, particularly on the first Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that our hope doesn’t come through negotiations or cease fires, as welcome as they maybe, but in the reality of Jesus’ promised return. Unlike Christmas, where we celebrate Jesus’ coming into poverty and obscurity, when Jesus returns again, he will return in power and majesty. Wars will cease, death will be defeated, and God’s Kingdom will come in all its fullness. So as we wait for this momentous time, let us pray Come, Lord Jesus, Come – Bring your light into our dark world, bring the miraculous into desperate situations, and bring us peace and hope into our lives.
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Last week’s reflection: Do Children’s Worship Songs Make You Cringe? by Helen Ruffhead
Contributed by Martin Shorey; © Martin Shorey