Advent is a time of waiting in anticipation for the one who will make all things right. In this talk from Oxford Community Church’s carol service, I reflected on the message of Christmas, and how Jesus stepped into our story to rescue us.
Tag: christmas
A Family Christmas (Luke 2)
On Sunday we celebrated Christmas at Oxford Community Church, and I gave a short talk on the miracle of God coming into the chaos of a family scene, to bring hope, joy and peace. You can check out the talk (or the whole service) below. I hope you enjoy it, and that you have a…
Put on the Suit: Cola, Christ, and the Santa-Verse
I wonder what you’ve made of this year’s flurry of Christmas adverts? Between John Lewis going all Little Shop of Horrors, M&S taking a flamethrower to family festivities, and Aldi giving us thinly-veiled euphemisms from a talking carrot, it’s been an odd bunch! For what its worth, my favourite offering for 2023 is Apple’s short…
To us a child is born (Isaiah 9.2-7)
On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking on the throne titles of the Messiah in Isaiah 9. This amazing passage, written 700 years before the coming of Jesus, introduces him as the light who breaks in to the darkness of the world. In this talk, we consider how Jesus is: If you’re interested, you…
The Messiah formerly known as Prince of Peace
It’s nearly Christmas. Which means it’s that time of year where Isaiah 9 gets its annual outing. This is an amazing chapter, prophesying the birth of the Messiah, who will bring great light to people walking in darkness. And he shall be called, ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9.6) There is so much in…
Gunpowder and Golden Ladders: Cai Guo-Qiang and the wonder of the incarnation
On Sunday I preached on Christmas as a story of hope; light breaking into the darkness. You can check out the talk here. I used an example to illustrate the power of the incarnation. It’s from the Netflix documentary Sky Ladder, about the work of the contemporary Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang who makes incredible artwork…
Light in the Darkness
On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at a Carol Service at our new church, Oxford Community Church. I spoke on the subject of light in the darkness. It was a great fun morning, singing carols and celebrating hope! If you fancy checking it out you can do so here. The talk starts around…
Luke, Lots and the Lap of the God
November has arrived, and people are getting in the Christmas mood, just as the first batch of mince pies that hit the shelves back in July is tipping over its best before date. I’m still trying to hold off a little longer… but my resistance is being tested. Not by the lights, sounds and adverts,…
God. With. Us.
I have a four-year-old daughter, who performed in her first school nativity last week. She played the role of Angel Number 1, which I suspect means ‘1 of many’ but I like to think it means ‘number 1 angel.’ Each kid gets one line to perform, and my daughter has been practicing hers for months….
Liam Thatcher 