You may have experienced, as I have, the ‘big box’ Christmas prank. A huge wrapped box is presented amid a chorus of “what can it be?”, then layers of wrapping shed revealing a slightly smaller box within and then another and so on, until only a small box remains containing a not-so-impressive pair of socks.… Read More Unboxed
Some moments from the Christmas story loom large in my imagination. The shuffling of feet through Bethlehem’s darkened streets in search of lodging. A new baby, all skin creases and twitching muscles laid in a makeshift bed. Shepherds on a hillside shocked and awed by light and song. A star shining brighter than those around it.
There is also another significant moment, precluding these nativity scenes…… Read More The Beyond-ness and Within-ness of God
You probably saw the Wonder Woman posters earlier this year. I loved one in particular. In it, she is standing slightly side-on; still, but poised to move. She is in part-silhouette but you can make out the industrial angles of her boots and armour. One hand makes a fist, the other holds a sword. Behind… Read More A Prayer for Women
…We will always experience tension between busy and not, doing and being, chasing and chilling. But there is another posture that I’m keen to grow in: that of being both still and eager…… Read More Still and Eager
Martha, Martha, Martha. She gets a bad rap. She is perhaps most famous for the story told in Luke 10 of what happened when Jesus visited her house, and her sister Mary sat at Jesus feet and left Martha to do the housework. Mary has chosen what’s better, we learn…… Read More Be a Martha
Preaching can be powerful, life-giving, life-changing. But how do we know what to preach on? Where do we start?… Read More Preaching: where do I start?
Every year Brent and I make a point of visiting at least a couple of churches that aren’t our own, preferably those where we don’t know people. We do this partly to keep our eyes open to the broader church, but also so that we don’t forget what it’s like to walk into a new church not knowing anyone. Having been part of churches for most of our lives, we could easily forget how it feels to be an outsider coming in!… Read More The art of church welcoming
While this carol is typically considered part of the ‘general festive carols’ red sack rather than the ‘gospel carols’ red sack, I can’t help but see symbolism in these ding-donging bells. … Read More Carol of the Bells
The Little Drummer Boy paints a fictional picture, but it’s a beautiful picture rooted in true principles of worship…… Read More Little Drummer Boy
Of course, some carols are quite obviously jolly little numbers celebrating the festive season (halls, holly, sleighs). But other carols, once you get past the over-familiarity and the archaic language, are talking about something quite remarkable…… Read More O Holy Hark!
jillian reay smith 