Introduction
The angel (Luke 1) was a bringer of news to the house at Nazareth. The news was greeted in different ways: Mary accepted it graciously, but others did not necessarily do so. In our news today are stories that have been received in different ways. How do we decide how they should be received in the House of God?
Context
Homelessness in England is 'a national crisis', say MPs.
The UN votes to condemn Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
For the first time ever, there are two winners on BBC’s The Apprentice.
Reflection
Christmas Eve is a time when families gather in one another’s homes. Memories are shared. Bread is broken. People feel warm and safe. However, as the Public Accounts Committee Report shows, what most take for granted is a luxury for many others. This discomforting news provokes prayer for those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation, but also for policy makers that they will have the will and the wisdom to deal with a difficult challenge. It could also be a call to action to individuals and churches to look at what can be done locally to help those facing homelessness in the short ,term and to end the crisis in the longer term.
For the first time ever, the BBC’s The Apprentice had two winners. In a surprise ending, the prize was not split between the two people but each was given the original full amount (£250,000) and the same opportunity. This news has been received in different ways. For some it is an illustration of gracious generosity that is, in a sense, not limited However, it has also been described as an unforgiveable anti-climax and an infant school cop-out. This is a case of different perspectives. What does Mary’s reaction to her news tell us about perspective?
President Trump reversed decades of American foreign policy when he recognised Jerusalem as capital of Israel, and announced plans to move the US Embassy there. Egypt proposed a motion in the UN Security Council condemning this action. It was carried 14-1 but the USA vetoed it. This is a reminder of the division that is still a reality in the Holy Land. It is news that was greeted with joy by the Israelis and with horror by the Palestinians. It is a reminder that what is good news to one person is bad news to another (contrast Mary’s reaction to her pregnancy in Luke 1 with Joseph’s in Matthew 1.19). It is also a challenge to discern what a Christian understanding of the peace process in the Middle East really is.
Prayer
These intercessions can be used in conjunction with those in this week’s ROOTS (available to subscribers).
We remember those without homes, those in shelters and hostels, those in temporary accommodation.
We thank you for those who are providing events to enable those on the edges of society to feel included at Christmas time.
We remember the Holy Land, and we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for Palestinians and Israelis.
We thank you for those who are seeking to negotiate a peace settlement.
We remember all those who have recently received bad news concerning health, or finance, or employment.
We thank you that the good news of Christmas is good news for all.
Questions
- Are there occasions when you have thought you have heard good news, but others have heard it differently?
- What do you think are the scandalous stories in the news at present?
- Imagine and describe the first conversation that Mary had after the angel departed. Who is it with, and what does she say?
Action
Every time you enter or leave your home this week, thank God for your home and pray for the homeless and those in temporary accommodation.
Young people
Explore the End Youth Homelessness website.
What reaction does it provoke in you? Is there anything it inspires your group to do in the New Year?
If possible, watch the End Youth Homelessness: The Film.
Stuart Wild is a Methodist Minister in the Bolton and Rochdale District.
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