There is so much about Advent that doesn’t make sense. There is a lot about Christianity that seems to not make sense. Why would Jesus come in such abased conditions, to so little recognition, amid such insignificant circumstances? How can the Christianity begun by Jesus offer hope, peace and joy when our world, and the people in it, are often in turmoil? How can we hope for change, for better things, and a coming Kingdom of peace amidst the wars, economic gloom and upheaval in our world?
If we have ever felt or struggled with that tension, as I often do myself, I think ironically it brings us closer to the heart of the Advent season (meaning Jesus’ arrival), and indeed Christmas. The struggle and tension is where God meets us, and plants faith in our weakened hearts. It is where He desires to work, and give us hope beyond reason.
I’ve been reflecting on our opening Advent passages this year, particularly on Psalm 122 which has these lovely words:
“For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.”
The psalmist envisions a community of faith-filled people where grace has been shared amongst them, because they have encountered God. We often celebrate the coming of our Lord at Christmas as the arrival of the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).
I believe we are called to be just such a community at this time, to our darkened world. We saw so many glimmers of that light and peace already this year at our hugely successful Christmas Fayre. It was not only an event to raise church funds, which are so much needed, but a chance to proclaim God’s peace, love and goodwill to our community which is precious to us.
We are in a challenging season. Our church finances are challenging and the future uncertain. That could be merely dark and gloomy if we allow it to be. But Christ came as light to a dark world at Christmas. With faith in Him, and faithfulness to His call to keep being light and blessing to our community, I believe we can keep responding together in generosity, and seeking the prosperity of our church, our whole community, our brothers and sisters and their families.
We can keep working together ‘For the sake of the house of the Lord’, and trust that with all our efforts, God will bring the prosperity, the hope of better days, and of course the continued work of the Gospel of His dear Son where we are.
Yours in Christ,
David
The Brig - December 2025 Edition
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