Thoughts for the Day

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long....

Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way....

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the trouble of my heart,
and bring me out of my distress.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sin.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, from New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Happy New Year everyone! No, I've not gone mad, honestly! Today, Advent Sunday, is the first day of the new Church Year. The four weeks of Advent start a time of spiritual preparation leading up to Christmas. Traditionally the church colour is purple, and there would be no flowers for this period, and no Gloria. Indeed, I can remember when I was younger that the Carol Service was always held after Christmas Day!

Well I don't want to go back to those days, but I do like the idea of using this period to re-evaluate our relationship with God. Can we use this to start again, to make some promises, and get back to basics? Consider the following:

• God loves you - He wants the best for you.
• But oil and water don't mix - your sins cause a problem - be honest, and confess them
• Get rid of the rubbish in your life - and make a fresh start - live the life God wants.

And if you're like me, you will break these rules pretty fast. If so, 'Try, try, try again' and know that God is merciful and will forgive you.

Sunday 29th November, follow up thoughts

Heavenly Father,
at this time of new beginnings,
help us to re-evaluate our life with You
and with each other.
Forgive us our sins,
and give us the determination
to start again.
We ask this through our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.