The blog of Richard Hall, a Methodist Minister in Wales.
Posts tagged as:
At this time of year it is common to hear the complaint, “The trouble with Christmas is, it’s too materialistic these days.” Christians up and down the land go even further, “It’s all very well celebrating, but what about the spiritual spects of Christmas?” And there is no shortage of evidence for the truth of [...]
{ 0 comments }
Peter: Hey Jesus!
Jesus: Yes Peter?
P: What starsign are you?
J: Starsign? Oh right — I’m a Capricorn.I didn’t know you believed all that nonsense..
P: I don’t. It’s just a bit of fun.Let’s see what it says for you. Here we are. Capricorn. “You know that you have difficult decisions to face.The right thing will not be [...]
{ 0 comments }
Beware the tattooed preacher says the Daily Express, reporting on Todd Bentley’s meetings in South Wales.
Tory MP David Davies, whose Monmouth constituency covers part of Cwmbran, said: “I go to church and respect Christian beliefs, but I am concerned that some of the claims made by Mr Bentley are far fetched and should be treated [...]
{ 4 comments }
Allan Bevere reports a survey of Protestant pastors in the USA. Apparently, 91% are intending to hold a service on Christmas Day, which falls on a Sunday this year of course. He asks, “Is it acceptable for churches to cancel worship on Christmas Day? If so, why? If not, why not?”
Frankly, I’m staggered (but [...]
{ 16 comments }
Shamelessly stolen from my friend Will at http://ramblingsfromredrose.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/a-new-nativity-play/
Posted via email from Richard Hall’s perfectly pointless blog
{ 61 comments }
Away with our fears!
The Godhead appears
In Christ reconciled,
The Father of Mercies in Jesus the Child.
He comes from above,
[...]
{ 1 comment }
Expectations are hard things to live with. In a culture increasingly driven by “targets”, the expectations we have of ourselves and others can be a source of great hurt and confusion. This is especially true when our expectations do not match those of others. And it has to be said that there are many times [...]
{ 3 comments }
Many Christians are apt to be just a little bit churlish when it comes to Christmas. I sometimes get a sense that Christians are resentful that “our” festival has been stolen, taken over by revellers who are happy to sing carols and watch a school nativity play but will give little or no thought to [...]
{ 9 comments }
While Shepherds Watch (Sweet Chiming Bells).
I know - it’s too early to be playing Christmas carols. But if you’re preparing a Christmas service, and looking for an alternative to the rather turgid Winchester Old, this tune would fit the bill nicely. It’s easy to pick up and sing, and the addition of the ‘chiming bells’ [...]
{ 4 comments }
O astonishing grace,
That the reprobate race
Should be so reconciled!
What a wonder of wonders that God is a child!
[...]
{ 3 comments }
Another of Wesley’s nativity hymns.
Ye simple men of heart sincere,
Shepherds who watch your flocks by night,
Start not to see an angel near,
Nor tremble at [...]
{ 0 comments }
From Charles Wesley’s Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord. Merry Christmas!
Away with our fears!
The Godhead appears
In Christ reconciled,
The Father of Mercies in [...]
{ 7 comments }
Peter: Hey Jesus!
Jesus: Yes Peter?
P: What starsign are you?
J: Starsign? Oh right — I’m a Capricorn.I didn’t know you believed all that nonsense..
P: I don’t. It’s just a bit of fun.Let’s see what it says for you. Here we are. Capricorn. “You know that you have difficult decisions to face.The right thing will not be [...]
{ 0 comments }
Snatched, because the Christmas cards aren’t finished. I shouldn’t be blogging at a time like this.
I couldn’t not comment on the successful campaign to get Rage Against the Machine to the Christmas No 1 spot, though. This is being heralded as a success for “people against” the previously unstoppable media machine of Simon Cowell’s X [...]
{ 3 comments }
Here’s a bit of pre-Christmas silliness. If you’re feeling in need of a visit from carol singers, here are a couple of game souls who’ll have a go at a carol of your choice. Enjoy.
www.sundog.net/carolofthechins/flash/card.swf
{ 2 comments }
via The Guardian
A New Zealand church has sparked outrage by erecting a billboard depicting Mary and Joseph lying semi-nude beneath the sheets.
In an unorthodox take on the Christmas tale, the billboard depicts a forlorn Joseph and Mary looking to the sky with a caption which reads: “Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow.”
The [...]
{ 3 comments }
