In touch	Check-in	Intercessions
In touch begins immediately below	Please see tomorrow's (i.e. Sunday 26 December) Week in focus	Subscribers only: see intercessions

 

In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

 

Time to ponder

So much has happened in the past few months that now is a good time to do like Mary and find time to reflect (Luke 2:19)

 

Context

Statistics show an increase in the number of covid cases.

There are continuing accusations of breaches of the rules by the government.

Other tv channels report the result of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing when it is won by a deaf celebrity (Rose Ayling-Ellis) for the first time.

 

Reflection and ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation

The gospel reading for both 25 and 26 December have a focus on reflection and seeking wisdom. Mary ponders events in her heart and seeks better to understand what has happened. Jesus seeks out the learned doctors of the law in the Temple and engages with them as a means of finding a deeper understanding of life and the world.

The busyness of Christmas should not preclude appropriate reflection as a part of the celebrations. Those who are able to celebrate have an opportunity to think about those who are not in that position. For example many will be suffering from the virus or suffering bereavement or unable to be with those  with whom they would normally celebrate.

As evidence emerges of breaches of the Covid regulations, many are forced to consider their actions and the impact which they have had upon themselves and others. There is a whole question of how a good example should be set. What is the example we should set as individuals and the church? The shepherds responded to the angels by sharing the good news of what they had witnessed. Good news can be shared by action as well as by words. Now is a time to ponder not only the actions of others but also our own actions and consider what sort of message they give to the community around us.

In what are still difficult times, it is significant that news of the outcome of a television dance contest should hit the headlines. People often complain about the lack of good news that is reported but here is an example of good news writ large. Rose's victory has been acclaimed as more than just a personal achievement; it is also a victory for the deaf community. If society addresses those barriers and provides the right access and support, deaf people can do anything. God in Christ Jesus works through unexpected people too - a teenage girl and a bunch of shepherds. It is worth pondering how God can work through us.

 

Questions for discussion

What does living in a time of pandemic mean to you? Are you just keeping the regulations or are you stricter upon yourself? Are there any ways in which we can better look after not just ourselves but one another?

This Christmas season what is there that you are especially pondering in your heart or reflecting upon? How do you hope to grow as a result? Does it shape your prayer life?

In the Uk it is estimated that there are 1 in 5 adults with hearing loss greater than 25 dBHL. How do you react to the statistic? Is there  something you can do in response. Are there other seldom-seen communities who ought to be part of our prayers and actions?

 

Rev Stuart Wild is Superintendent of the South Fylde Methodist Circuit on the beautiful Lancashire coast.

 

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