Collect for Advent Three
Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ:
Grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Ps. 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Galatians 4: 4-7
Luke 2: 15-21
During one of our Christmas services, in poor light, the reader of Hebrews 1, instead of ‘He is the reflection of God’s glory’, said ‘He is the revolution of God’s Glory’. It might have been unintentional – but whether it was or wasn’t, it was the Holy Spirit that spoke those words.
Yes, the Christ is indeed the reflection of God’s Glory – but He is also the leader of the revolution against the power of the Satan in the world. He refuses to allow His people to be oppressed, refuses to allow them to be condemned, refuses to allow prejudice replace justice, refuses to allow love to be suppressed by anger, greed and hatred.
In the eyes of the Temple leadership, Jesus is Himself regarded as a terrorist attacking their religious hierarchies and complacent self-centred teaching. But the term is often misused. When people fight back against what they see as injustice, the ruling party will label those who revolt against it as ‘terrorist’ to justify suppression, often by force. But those who are subject to such unjust persecution would instead refer to themselves as ‘Freedom Fighters’.
History is filled with examples, from Simon the Zealot, through the Suffragette movement to Nelson Mandela; Guy Fawkes through Che Guevara to Osama Bin Laden. We revere some, revile others, depending on who we are and where we stand – but to a greater or lesser extent, violence and bearing arms is a common feature.
Jesus – the revolutionary terrorist according to the Sanhedrin – is different, however, in one unique regard.
His only weapon is love.
Even for enemies.
Which is how His Victory is won.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.