This is the time of year when we journey together as the people of God.  Some of us will be away enjoying the season with family and friends. Others of us will receive visitors into our own homes.   I hope we will all take five minutes each day to reflect, pray, and share the following themes wherever we might be. 

ADVENT

 A time of Expectation, Anticipation and of Preparation  

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them…For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."  (Isaiah 9, verses 2 & 6).

Please pray for:

*   The Homeless and all who work for them and with them: for CRISIS, for Homeless Action in Barnet, & for The London Churches Refugee Network.

*    Peace & reconciliation between Israel and Palestine, for peace with justice in Iraq, & for an end to suffering in Darfur.

*    All who are waiting, waiting with hope for good news, and for those waiting in dread of bad news. For those who wait for the prodigal to return, and for those for whom an end to waiting cannot come quickly enough.  

Christmas

A time of Annunciation, Celebration, & Incarnation

"And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.' " (Luke 2, 10-11).

Please pray for:

*    All children born into the world this Christmas time; for all children who will know nothing of the joy of Christmas, and for families whose Christmas has been overtaken by tragedy

*    All for whom Christmas is nothing more than a holiday, who know nothing of its true significance, and who care little for essential meaning

*    All who will spend Christmas in hospital, or in prison, for all for whom Christmas Day is a working day, and for absent friends.

Epiphany

A time of Revelation, Declaration, & Proclamation

"My eyes have seen Your Salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2, 31-32).

Please Pray for:

*    This Church and every Church that together we would be faithful to the Good News revealed in Jesus

*    For all that we will do as a Church to make Jesus known in this community