So far this week we have looked at how Jesus’ coming was part of a much larger story that was unfolding, that he came as both the promised Messiah and Emmanuel (God with us) and that his arrival was recieved with both fear and adoration. Today we reflect on the tragic and ultimately futile abuse of power that serves to retain the oppressive status quo and undermine God’s purposes in the world.

But, before you begin today’s reflection maybe just pause , turn your attention to God and pray the prayer below:

Lord, may we, like the wise men from foreign lands,
observe the rising of your star in the darkness of this season.
We may not have gold, frankincense, or myrrh,
But we offer you today our time, attention, and trust.
Amen

Daily Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can also find it here.

Quote: ‘Hitler and Herod’

It is, frankly, incredible to me that someone living in the century of Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot should find it difficult to believe that rulers can slaughter children for their own political ends. Furthermore, everything we know about Herod the Great suggests that he was exactly the sort of man who would have had all the babies in a particular village executed if he had had the slightest suspicion that anyone was talking about a future king being born there.

After all, Josephus tells us that this same Herod, around the same time, had several of his own family murdered because of his paranoia about plots against his life. He also arranged for several leading citizens from around the country to be killed at the time of his own death, so that at least he would ensure that the nation would mourn for him in proper style, instead of celebrating as they might well otherwise have done.It is no strain on the imagination to think that this same Herod would do what Matthew says he did.

| N.T Wright

Advent Poem: Refugee

We think of him as safe beneath the steeple,
Or cosy in a crib beside the font,
But he is with a million displaced people
On the long road of weariness and want.
For even as we sing our final carol
His family is up and on that road,
Fleeing the wrath of someone else’s quarrel,
Glancing behind and shouldering their load.
Whilst Herod rages still from his dark tower
Christ clings to Mary, fingers tightly curled,
The lambs are slaughtered by the men of power,
And death squads spread their curse across the world.
But every Herod dies, and comes alone
To stand before the Lamb upon the throne.
(Malcolm Guite)

Advent Songs

Closing Blessing

May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path;
and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.
Amen.
(Book of Occasional Services)

As always, we would love to hear your thoughts and reflections and so please do leave a comment in the section at the bottom of this page. Much love to you all on this Advent journey!

Evening Zoom Reflection at 9pm

We will be meeting tonight on Zoom to reflect on this together. You would be most welcome to join us. We start at 9pm and finish at 9:20pm. Bring a Bible and a candle if you have them.

We are usually on a few moments before for a chat. Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84743926286

Feel free to leave a comment below with any thoughts, prayers or things God might have been speaking to you about.