The joy Jesus brings
“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:10-11
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The gift of God's Son
And while they were there in Bethlehem, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:6-7
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The God of surprises
Because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. Luke 2:4
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+People and places Belfast Cathedral Sitout Derriaghy Christmas jumpers Clogher man is Dean of Canterbury Civic carol service at St Ann’s Dublin +News reports King Charles praises ‘wonderfully kind’ people helping the needy in his first Christmas broadcast Bessbrook keeps cherished tradition of early morning carols Institutions in Clogher 540 children in Northern Ireland seeking help from gender identity teams +In the media Core values endure with King Charles - Editorial comment in today’s Daily Telegraph +Poem for today A visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore + Speaking to the soul - Christmas series A short reading and a prayer - daily on this site. CLICK HERE - CNI DECEMBER 26 NEWS
Mary’s Song. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. Luke 1:50
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The Blessing of Humility
Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.” Luke 1:46-49
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Servant of the Lord
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38
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Miracles
Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, “Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favour with God!” Luke 1:28-30
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and Cecil Frances Alexander
Obeying
The angel said to Zechariah, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Luke 1:19-20
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The first Black Santa - The Very Reverend Samuel Bennett Crooks
Privilege of Prayer
One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his section was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. Luke 1:8-10
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Dealing with disappointments
Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:6-7
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Revolutionary
His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. Luke 1:51-53
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We never walk alone
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God of the poor, God of the rich
Ballyholme’s Living Advent Calendar
Hymns of hope
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Challenging abuse of power
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