Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Our pretty Christmas cards do not do it justice – the stable that Jesus was born in would have been smelly, dirty, and full of mess.   So why did God not provide something better for His beloved Son?   Why let Joseph and Mary scrounge around until they ended up in a smelly stable? Perhaps because...

Experience the Joy of Advent For to Us a Child is Born How to help someone who is lonely this Christmas From the Vicar Christmas – the most beautiful story ever told The best present ever! Wake up! It’s Christmas! Trusting God in all things THE WAY I SEE IT:  Protecting the Innocent  ** Editor: ...

The Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, has responded to a new report from the Gambling Commission looking at gambling trends of 11 to 16 year-olds in Great Britain. Bishop Alan said:   “This provides welcome and much-needed insight into the world of gambling that children are living in. “There continue to be 55,000 children...

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.   Psalm 139:15-16 You began life...

By Tim Farron, SPCK, £9.99 Writing with warmth, humour and compelling honesty, Tim Farron charts his rise to the leadership of the Liberal Democrats – from his childhood in Preston to his central role during the Conservative–Lib Dem coalition of 2010–15. Farron speaks openly about his role as Party President and the intense experience of...

After Christmas, what?  Just blank silence? Or a ‘thank-you’ note for that gift? A survey by the insurers Ecclesiastical has found that 60 per cent of 25-to-34-year-olds said they would NOT write a thank-you note because they found writing uncomfortable, or were embarrassed by their handwriting, spelling or grammar, or just did not know what...

‘Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’  Luke 2:10 Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.  The word ‘Advent’ is from the Latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ’coming’.  Sometimes called ‘Little Lent’, it’s a time to prepare our hearts for the future Second Coming,...

(John1:1-14)   Fumbling around in a frenzy, From September stress levels rise, Dates collide, Imagination falters As presents and experiences fail to satisfy The expectations of a world that walks In the darkness of denial and Dawkins.   Yet all the time The light shines in that darkness, All the time The greatest gift shines...

By Peter Walker, Lion Hudson, £15.99 This book teaches the basics of the Christian faith, looking first at what Jesus Himself taught, and then at what His apostles had to say. It is for anyone who wants to follow Jesus, but who would like to be reminded of the way. In short clear steps, Dr...

Did you know that mince pies have been traditional English Christmas fare since the Middle Ages, when meat was a key ingredient?  The addition of spices, suet and alcohol to meat came about because it was an alternative to salting and smoking in order to preserve the food. Mince pies used to be a different...

Lord, as I enter into the fast-paced season ahead, help me walk slowly and quietly.  Let me stop and listen to the angels sing of the greatest news ever told.  Let my heart, mind and soul join the chorus. “Glory in the Highest!! The Messiah has been born!” Among all the bright sparkling lights and...

Church of England prayer apps were used more than five million times over the last year as a record number of people sought Christian contemplation and reflection online, according to new figures published today. Apps allowing users to pray the ancient ‘Daily Office’ of morning, evening and night prayer were used 4.2 million times on...