good news sunday after sunday the seasons of ......good news sunday after sunday the seasons of...

GOOD NEWS Sunday after Sunday

The Seasons of ADVENT and CHRISTMAS

For some introductory words about this booklet – its origins, goals and purposes –

please turn to the second last page.

There is a resource that can be used for Advent (or Christmas) on the

Newspapers and Diaries page

of my web site (www.stillersite.wordpress.com)

It is a newspaper called THE BETHLEHEM WEEKLY

There are 4 issues of this paper

- The arrival of Joseph and Mary

- the visit of the shepherds

- the arrival of the wise men

- the killing of the infants in Bethlehem

F i r s t S u n d a y o f A d v e n t

Since the word Advent means Coming, this season of the church year proclaims the Comings of Jesus. There is his Coming to be born into this world, and his Second Coming to bring this world to an end and usher in the new world. This First Sunday of Advent casts a glance back at the ending of our church year, particularly the last three Sundays, which all deal in one way or another with the end of this world. It gets our attention on the Second Coming of Jesus – his return in glory to this earth to usher in eternal life.

What expectations do I have about the Second Coming? I guess I think most of all about the victory over death that Jesus will bring about, the end of all the troubles of this life, and the rest from all the striving and battling with sin in my efforts to obey God. Or I may at times wonder if I’ll get through all the troubles that are supposed to take place prior to the Second Coming. The readings for this Sunday give me some really positive and hope-full promises from Jesus about his Second Coming.

A Listening for the Good News Year A

Jesus speaks about his Second Coming in the G. He reminds us that only the Father knows the actual timing of this event. So he calls his people to be alert, watchful, and ready. His coming will be unexpected. These qualities of readiness in Christian living are ultimately gifts which God himself gives to his people. These gifts will make a difference in their lives as they wait expectantly for the unexpected return of Jesus.

The SR describes how God’s gifts in Jesus affect and show in the lives of God’s people. The armour of light and being clothed with the Lord Jesus are wonderful gifts of God’s grace. They are never something we give ourselves or can attain for ourselves. Always they remain gifts – gifts that will flow out in the way we live – showing that we are living for God, not for ourselves.

What a great vision Isaiah (FR) gives of the ‘Last Days’. He prophesies that God will act through his people to bring peace to all nations, to the whole world. He will do this by means of his active and living Word.

The Ps complements very well the message of the FR. It’s a call for prayer – specifically for God to bring and to maintain peace among his people. That peace will be a foretaste and a precursor of the ultimate peace that will be ushered in by the Second Coming of Jesus.

All these readings surprise me by making me look not at the future but the present. Of course, they speak about the future Second Coming of Jesus, but they are at pains to describe my life now, and how that coming affects my life. They tell me: keep watch, be ready (G), put aside deeds of darkness, clothe yourself with Jesus (FR), walk in the light of the Lord (FR), pray for peace (Ps). And all those instructions presuppose the gifts that God pours out on his people, the life he empowers all of us to live. It’s those gifts (not me) that produce the life style God is looking for. Throughout my life those gifts will keep on preparing me, and others, for our Lord’s Second Coming by means of the life I’m living.

That’s good news for people who let the promises of a great eternal future draw their attention away from living now the confident and fearless life God gives to us.

The Second Coming of Jesus – God gives promises and gifts to make and keep us ready for it.

B Listening for the Good News Year B

The purpose of his Second Coming in glory, Jesus announces (G), is to save his people, not scare them – even though there will be troubles and distress prior to his coming. Despite some signs that his Second Coming is near, none of us can know when it will happen. So it’s important to remain alert and keep watching, open to what God may be doing with us in our lives. And while we do that he will sustain us for whatever we may have to undergo.

Paul assures the congregation at Corinth (SR) that while they are waiting for Jesus to come in glory God will keep coming to strengthen them and preserve them in their fellowship with Jesus.

FR: Is.2:1-5 Ps: Ps.122 SR: Rom.13:11-14 G: Mat.24:36-44

FR: Is. 64:1-9 Ps: Ps.80:1-7,17-19 SR: 1 Cor.1:3-9 G: Mk.13:24-37

Isaiah (FR) admits that all the trouble and distress in the lives of God’s people is the result of their deep sin and rebellion against God. This admission is accompanied by a cry to God to come and rescue his people in their dire situation. He dares to plead for rescue only because God has revealed, through great and repeated promises, his love and mercy towards his people.

The Ps reflects on the past history of God’s people and the times of strife and distress they had to go through at times – and the undeserved rescue God brings. This strikes me as a great prayer I can use whenever the hard times of life come.

The readings for today surprise me. They proclaim that Advent isn’t just about God’s big historical comings that are described in the Bible. In his great mercy he is coming repeatedly to his people – as a nation and as individuals. These comings strengthen and console then in their troubles, maintain their faith and hope until the Second Coming of Jesus, and show in a life of trust in God.

That’s good news for people who have fears about waiting for Jesus’ Second Coming, and about events that may take place prior it.

God comes to his people constantly – individually and as a community – to bring consolation and hope.

C Listening for the Good News Year C

The G mentions some of the signs that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus in glory. All these signs are meant to show that God’s final gift of redemption is just around the corner. So there is no need to be afraid or fearful. Rather, because of Jesus, his people are expectant, hopeful, and confident.

In the SR the future Second Coming of Jesus gives rise to Paul’s prayer that God may keep on strengthening his people so that they will be holy and blameless at the time of Jesus’ coming.

Jeremiah (FR) announces God’s declaration that a descendant of king David will one day bring justice and righteousness. Surely that prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus – and will be fulfilled in Jesus.

The Ps expresses trust in God – especially in his promises to teach his people about justice, and to bring them justice. This trust in God even remains despite their continuing sin. And this says far more about God’s grace and trustworthiness than the quality of their trust.

These readings proclaim that God’s promises, and his plans for the end of history, will result in God bringing justice and redemption to his people. Trust in these promises will have a great effect on the way in which we live our lives now. And will make the final coming of our Lord a great event of grace and of our final rescue from sin – all because of what Jesus suffered for us.

That’s good news for people who have fears about what may result from Jesus’ Second Coming.

The Second Coming of Jesus is an act of God we can joyfully look forward to and anticipate.

This Sunday’s contribution to the Advent season

For a long time it seemed strange to me that the Advent season, a time of preparation for Christmas, begins by fixing my attention on the Second Coming of Jesus. But by doing that this Sunday helps me to keep the Christmas event in its historical context. Christmas, the first coming of Jesus, is preparation for his Second coming, and without the Second coming Christmas is a waste of time. Christmas is a decisive step by God to set in motion and to bring about his goal of redemption in Jesus (see Col.1:19-20). This First Sunday in Advent proclaims the reality of God’s new eternal resurrection-life in Jesus. It proclaims God’s gracious work of keeping me looking forward to that great history-ending act of God. And Christmas is a vital part of that.

FR: Jer.33:14-16 Ps: Ps.25:1-10 SR: 1 Thess.3:9-13 G: Lk.21:25-36

S e c o n d S u n d a y o f A d v e n t

A quick look at all the readings for Advent 2 tells me that today our worship is going to prepare me for the coming of Jesus to this earth. That reminds me that one purpose of the Advent season is to prepare me for the surprise – maybe even surprises – of Christmas.

Surprises of Christmas? What am I saying? I’ve taken part in so many Christmases that it’s been ‘surprised out’! I’ve given and heard so many Christmas messages that there’s nothing anyone could say that would come as a surprise!!. . . Ah, how much I need Advent. When I think I know all there is to know about God’s grace, when I don’t expect to be surprised, even shocked, by God’s mercy and love, then there really is something wrong. I need to look into my heart and open it to God’s mind-blowing grace.


John the Baptist’s message is the focus of the G. It’s a message announcing the coming of God’s righteous kingdom and of God’s chosen one. As preparation for this coming he calls God’s people to repentance and to lives of justice. This chosen one will bring power for a new and radical inner change in God’s people.

In the SR Paul prays for God’s people. His aim is that they follow the example of Jesus, their servant. Then the gifts that Jesus gives will produce such unity and acceptance among them that unified praise will be offered to God. This will lead to the Gentiles also joining them in praise of God, fulfilling a hope that the Scriptures (including the FR) anticipate.

The FR speaks about God’s chosen one, who will be endowed with the Spirit, who will judge justly, and who will usher in peace and harmony for all the earth. This is generally taken as a prophecy of Jesus and the work he will fulfil.

The Ps is a prayer for the king, describing what God will do for him. It looks forward to a God-given righteous rule and the blessings this will bring to all nations. As a result, God will receive the glory of the whole earth. I find it hard to read the references to God’s king in the psalms without thinking of Jesus.

Predominant in these readings is the assertion that the gifts and blessings brought by God’s chosen one are for the whole world. For God the coming of his Son to this earth always had a world-purpose. His mercy and grace is revealed for the benefit of all nations, of every individual. Jesus’ coming is to bring the whole world peace and move all to praise of God. What a blessing to be the recipient (again) of a faith and a hope like that. This Sunday may help me to see things the way God does, and to open myself to the power he gives to get me to live accordingly.

That’s good news for people who get so caught up in their own self-centredness that they forget they have been given a part in God’s amazing and surprising mission to the whole world.

The Coming of Jesus to this earth brings blessings for the whole world.


God’s coming to his people to bring them forgiveness or to promise them forgiveness happens repeatedly throughout their history. One significant occasion is his promise to end the nation’s exile in Babylon. Through the prophet Isaiah (FR) God delivers a message of hope to his exiled people. Living in forsakenness, despondency, and guilt, they hear the announcement of God’s coming to forgive them, gather them, and provide them with shepherd-

care.

Having experienced this forgiveness, Israel’s worship contains songs of joy and thanks (like the Ps) that look back on their history with God. These songs also look ahead and provide the worshippers with a sure hope of an even more glorious experience of life in which forgiveness reigns.

Centuries after the Exile John the Baptist repeated Isaiah’s message (G) applying it to Jesus who is about to begin his ministry in Palestine, and to fulfil all of God’s great and gracious promises. In his Son, Jesus, God comes to bring forgiveness that results in inner change for God’s people.

FR: Is 11:1-10 Ps: Ps.72:1-7,18-19 SR: Rom.15:4-13 G: Mat.3:1-12

FR: Is 40:1-1 Ps: Ps.85:1-2,8-13 SR: 2 Pet.3:8-15a G: Mk.1:1-8

Israel’s history is also scattered with occasions when God’s promises to come and help and rescue did not seem to happen – or at least happen as soon as the people expected. If God’s coming seems to be delayed, whatever coming that may be, any delay is due to God’s patience (SR). He is giving time for more people to realize their need for repentance, time for more to look forward with joy and anticipation to his gift of forgiveness.

These readings proclaim the gift of forgiveness that accompanies God’s coming to his people. This forgiveness is not just limited to his people, it’s there for all nations. Jesus came to this earth to bring God’s forgiveness to the whole human race. What an amazing God!

That’s good news for people who are troubled by their sin; and for those who have contact with other people who are troubled by their sin.

The Coming of Jesus to this earth brings the gift of forgiveness to humankind.


Malachi (in the FR) announces the coming of the Lord in judgment. At the same time, he announces God’s action of grace in sending a messenger to prepare the way by preparing people for this coming. They will be prepared through a refining, or purifying, process.

In the Ps, which has come to be known as the ‘Song of Zechariah’, Zechariah praises God for keeping his promise to send the Saviour. He acknowledges his son, John the Baptist, as the one

who will prepare the way for the Saviour. This preparation is described as making God’s people aware of his merciful gift of forgiveness.

The G is Luke’s account of the appearance of John the Baptist as a preacher of a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He identifies John the Baptist as the one promised to come to prepare the way for the Lord and his offer of salvation to all people.

Paul (SR) expresses his joy and deep love for the congregation at Philippi and refers to the Second Coming of Jesus. He expresses confidence in the grace and working of God who gives his people faith, sustains it, and will complete that faith in view of Jesus’ Second Coming.

These readings all speak about the coming of God, or his messenger, to his people. In various ways God prepares his people for his comings. He is constantly working on his people, keeping them aware of his great actions in this world and, in grace, making sure they are ready for it. What limitless concern and love God has for the people who dwell on his earth. And I am a recipient of that love!

That’s good news for people who have fears about God’s sometimes uninvited, but always grace-bestowing, involvement in their lives, and their readiness for it.

However or whenever Jesus comes, God is preparing us for it.


Together with the Third Sunday of Advent, this Sunday helps me in my preparation for Christmas by proclaiming (and reminding me of) the blessings and benefits, the grace and mercy, that God offers through the Christmas coming of Jesus to the whole human race. This gives me the opportunity to consider whether I need those gifts and whether I have a heart receptive to God’s gracious giving.

FR: Mal.3:1-4 Ps: Lk.1:68-79 SR: Phil.1:3-11 G: Lk.3:1-6

T h i r d S u n d a y o f A d v e n t

The readings for this Sunday tell me that worship each year on Advent 3 proclaims the great blessings that accompany the coming of Jesus to this earth – blessings for all the inhabitants of his world. Even though people may not celebrate Christmas (as the birth of God’s Son) or want anything to do with the church or even with God, these blessing are there for them.

That makes me wonder what role I have been given in making these blessing known. And more than that, what part I can play in having these blessings become a reality in people’s lives and in this world.


In the G John the Baptist seeks assurance from Jesus that he (Jesus) is indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus points John back to promises about the Messiah (specifically the coming of healing and justice) and to their fulfilment in Jesus’ ministry. Matthew also goes on to record Jesus’ affirmation of John as a really significant prophet.

The reading from James (SR) is a message to people suffering persecution and injustice. James proclaims the coming of the Lord to put things right. He also reminds them of God’s

gift of patience given to people in the past, and he proclaims that this gift is there for them, too.

Isaiah’s announcement (FR) comes to God’s people in exile. He promises them a new Exodus as their God comes to lead them joyfully home over a highway built through the desert. God’s people will be redeemed, justice will be restored, and healing will be a sign of this restored justice. This prophecy anticipates the final Exodus that Jesus will provide for his people in his First and Second Comings.

The Psa is a psalm of praise and trust in God who brings justice to his people.

The Psb is Mary’s response to God’s choice of her to give birth to Jesus. She also praises God for the justice he brings to his people.

I can hear the theme of justice running through the readings for today – the justice God brings when his people are suffering at the hands of others. This suffering may be the result of their disobedience to God and their stubborn going their own sinful way, but still God intervenes and provides a rescue, and a justice, they don’t deserve. That undeserved justice is the overwhelming gift that Jesus’ coming to this world brings to us.

That’s good news for people who are longing for justice in their lives and in the lives of others.

The Coming of Jesus to this earth brings justice to the world.


The G is John the Baptist’s testimony or witness that God’s chosen one is right there among his hearers. Only they don’t recognize him. Even though God’s action of bringing deliverance and salvation to humankind goes unnoticed by many, yet God’s grace and mercy is still at work in human history. Probably that’s always been the case, and always will be.

Paul reminds us (SR) of the kind of life we are able to live – and are empowered to live – all because Jesus has brought deliverance and salvation.

The FR (like last Sunday’s) is part of Isaiah’s message to God’s people exiled in Babylon. God chooses Isaiah to proclaim a message of hope and deliverance, and to paint a picture of what that will mean for God’s people. This message will be taken up later as a prophecy of Jesus, the chosen Son of God, and as a description of the deliverance he will accomplish through his coming into this world and his life and ministry here.

Israel often described God’s coming to them to bring deliverance as the restoring of their fortunes. The Psa remembers past restoring of fortunes and calls on God to act once again.

Mary’s response to God’s choice of her to give birth to Jesus (Psb) also describes the deliverance Jesus brings and the justice that accompanies it.

FR: Is.35:1-10 Psa: Ps.146:5-10 Psb: Lk.1:(46b)47-55 SR: James 5:7-10 G: Mat.11:2-11

FR: Is.61:1-4,8-11 Psa: Ps.126 Psb: Lk.1:(46b)47-55 SR: 1 Thess.5:16-24 G: Jn.1:6-8,19-28

There seem to be many parallels between these reading and those for last Sunday. While both speak about the First Coming of Jesus and the blessings he brings, these focus more on his gift of salvation and deliverance.

I’m tempted to look to all kinds of things for some relief and deliverance from the troubles that meet me in life. And our world makes many promises for the removal of troubles, for relief from them, and maybe even for resources to bear them. Jesus lived among us to bring deliverance from God himself.

That’s good news for people who find that nothing in this world can bring the deliverance that Jesus promises and brings about.

The Coming of Jesus to this earth brings deliverance and salvation.


John the Baptist and his ministry features in the G. He calls God’s people to repentance, gives examples of how they can live this repentance, and points them to the Messiah. The coming Messiah will work among them with power and the Holy Spirit in order to bring them an even deeper inner renewal.

In the SR Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. He is coming to be with them – so anticipate that coming by enjoying and using God’s gifts of prayer, gentleness, and peace.

The FR calls on God’s people to join in loud praise of God. He is with them to take their punishment away, to rescue them, to gather them, and to bring them back to their home. In the process he will restore their honour before the nations.

The Ps is a song of praise to God who has acted, and will act, to bring salvation to his people. This action of God will be made known among the nations.

I can see many themes in the readings for today. Perhaps predominant is reference to the Lord’s coming in mercy and power as he acts to restore the fortunes of his people and to restore their standing among the nations. His people today are also his gift to the nations. He enables other people to see his grace and love in the ways in which his people are empowered by him to live out his mercy.

That’s good news for people who want to know that their lives can have an impact on others.

The Coming of Jesus to this earth gives his people what they need to point to God’s mercy active in human history.


Together with the Second Sunday of Advent, this Sunday helps me in my preparation for Christmas by proclaiming (and reminding me of) the blessings and benefits, the grace and mercy, that God offers through the Christmas coming of Jesus to the whole human race. This gives me the opportunity to consider whether I need those gifts and whether I have a heart receptive to God’s gracious giving.

FR: Zeph.3:14-20 Ps: Is.12:2-6 SR: Phil.4:4-7 G: Lk.3:7-18

F o u r t h S u n d a y o f A d v e n t

A quick look at the readings for this last Sunday in Advent tells me that our worship is proclaiming that Christmas is just around the corner. We hear the announcement of the birth of Jesus. While it took at least nine months for the people of that time to see it all happen, it takes us less than a week to bridge that time gap.

I often find myself taking for granted God’s love and grace in Jesus. Faith seems a perfectly natural and understandable reaction to God’s message in Jesus, and eternal life quite a logical and inevitable gift that God dishes out after death. But with that thinking I lose the wonder of God’s actions. The illogical, unnatural, surprising, impossible – even unfair and unjust – nature of God’s grace, mercy, and giving has all but disappeared. Maybe this fourth Sunday of Advent will confront me with the wonder of God’s illogical and mind-blowing grace.


The G is the account of the announcement of the birth of Jesus to Joseph. It is seen as the fulfilling the promise God made through Isaiah in the FR. (Strictly speaking it is a second, and far greater, fulfilment of that promise.) Mary’s child is the Saviour, not just named God-with-us, but in fact God-with-us, who ushers in an even greater victory than the one promised in the FR.

In the FR Isaiah announces God’s sign for King Ahaz – a sign of coming political victory for the king. A child will be born to a maiden, and will be named Immanuel (God with us). By the time that child reaches maturity the threat of war will be over.

In the SR Paul offers a brief summary of the Gospel as an introduction to this letter. The Gospel is God fulfilling his promises by sending his own Son as a human being, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s apostleship and ministry is based on this event.

The Ps is a prayer to God for forgiveness and restoration – to be brought about through God’s chosen one.

This Sunday is a great introduction to the Christmas season. It announces the coming birth of his Son, Jesus. It allows us to consider the wonder of God’s plan as he enters this world’s history in order to become God-with-us.

That’s good news for people who need the assurance of God’s compassion for them and his presence with them.

The announcement of the coming of Jesus to this earth.


Luke (G) writes about the amazing choice of God in selecting Mary to give birth to his Son – and the just as amazing response of Mary to this choice. Actually, Luke makes no special mention of the amazing aspects of this account. He records it all quite matter-of-fact-ly – which in itself is quite amazing.

In the FR David wants to build a house for God – a house of stone and wood and precious metal. Instead (and what a wonder this is) God promises a house for David – a long dynasty

of rulers beginning with king David, and a kingdom, a homeland, of peace and safety. The coming of Jesus our King, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom in him, is the climax of that promise. All of that God has done for us – amazing!

The coming of Jesus, Paul says (SR), is the greatest revelation to the world of God’s grace. And that grace is amazing.

The entire response of Mary to her choice by God is set down in the Psa.

The Psb rejoices in God’s faithfulness to the promises he makes down through history. These promises find their fulfilment in Jesus and his coming to our world.

These readings announce the wonder of what God does for us in and through Jesus. We hear of two people who have plans for their life – one a building project, the other a marriage. But God has some modifications in mind for

FR: Is.7:10-16 Ps: Ps.80:1-7,17-19 SR: Rom.1:1-7 G: Mat.1:18-25

FR: 2 Sam.7:1-11,16 Psa: Lk.1:(46b)47-55 Psb: Ps.89:1-4,19-26 SR: Rom.16:25-27 G: Lk.1:26-38

them. And they agree to let God have his way – as if they really have any choice!

I often wonder why God chose Mary. Why such an ordinary person; why a teenager (which it seems Mary was); why a person engaged to be married; why someone of such low standing in society? Whatever the reasons, Mary is it! And her life is irrevocably changed, and made decidedly harder (humanly speaking). It also makes me wonder what choices God has made (and will make) for me during my life because he had (or has) something for me to do for him. Today’s worship threatens to put the surprise and wonder back into faith and into the way you and I see God working.

That’s good news for people who need to be re-amazed by God’s grace.



The G is the aftermath to God’s amazing choice of Mary to give birth to Jesus. In this reading Mary is honoured by Elizabeth (soon to be the mother of John the Baptist) as the mother of the Lord. Mary’s response to this whole amazing event (usually called the ‘Magnificat’) is an optional inclusion in this reading. But it’s also there as the Psa.

The Psa (the Magnificat) is Mary’s response to the news of the birth of Jesus. It is a psalm of praise to God who constantly shows mercy and brings justice to his people.

In the FR is Micah’s prophecy of the birth of God’s shepherd king in Bethlehem. This coming king will set up God’s rule of peace. This reading, of course, is seen as a prophecy of the birth of Jesus.

The SR proclaims the willingness of Jesus to do God’s will, even if that meant the sacrifice of himself. His coming to this earth happened with that aim and goal in view. The wonderful thing about this is that we become holy through his sacrifice of obedience.

The Psb is a prayer to God for forgiveness and restoration. The prayer also acknowledges that this rescue will be brought about through God’s chosen one, the shepherd-king.

Today’s readings announce the blessings that flow from the coming of Jesus to this earth. It’s as if God’s mercy and justice will be set free in the arrival of his Son. He will be the king who will establish peace on earth. He will be the sacrifice who will bring us forgiveness and cleansing.

That’s good news for people who may be tempted to let their Christmas preparations stand between them and the blessings God offers in Jesus.



Today I can hear something of the joy, of the turmoil, of the sense of what’s-going-on-here, of the sense of powerlessness, that results when God steps into people’s lives to give them a part in his plans. I hear about Joseph (year A) or Mary (years B and C) and the unenviable task they were given. Maybe that will prepare me for God’s Christmas Day announcement that in Jesus he has stepped into my life.

FR: Mic.5:2-5a Psa: Lk.1:(46b)47-55 Psb: Ps.80:1-7 SR: Heb.10:5-10 G: Lk.1:39-45(46-55)

C h r i s t m a s

This set of readings tells me that our Christmas worship proclaims the coming of God’s grace to this world in the person of his Son.

I don’t have a problem with the concept of God’s grace being active in his dealings with humankind down through the years. But to speak about this grace actually making an appearance on this earth in the birth of Jesus usually sends my mind into a spin. It announces that God isn’t ‘up there somewhere’, he’s right here – with all his gifts and blessings.

I Listening for the Good News Proper I

The G is Luke’s account of the Christmas story, consisting of the birth of Jesus, the Saviour, in Bethlehem and the announcement of this birth to the shepherds. There is the option to continue the reading to include the shepherd’s visit to Bethlehem to see Jesus.

The FR is the prophecy of God’s action to bring light to a world held and controlled by darkness and slavery. This will happen through the birth of God’s king of peace.

In the SR Paul proclaims the appearance of God’s grace. Through Jesus’ giving of himself he brings redemption and the possibility of new life devoted to God.

The Ps is one of praise to God for the justice and salvation he brings to the whole earth.

The personal presence of God here in this world opens the way for every person to be given a new life with God. This life begins now and extends into an eternal life beyond death.

That’s good news for people who are unable by themselves to escape the confines of sin and death.

The birth of Jesus is the appearance of God’s grace in human form.

II Listening for the Good News Proper II

The G is Luke’s account of the Christmas story, consisting of the announcement to the shepherds of the birth of Jesus, the Saviour, and their visit to Bethlehem to see him. There is the option to include the account of the actual birth itself.

In the FR is God’s promise to bring peace and prosperity to his people. He will prepare the way for the coming of salvation. Israel’s fortunes will be restored and they will be acknowledged

as God’s people.

In the SR Paul proclaims the appearance of God’s grace. By the working of the Holy Spirit, poured out through Jesus, he bestows salvation, justification, and life eternal.

The Ps is one of praise to God who is the mighty and powerful king. He brings justice and rescue to the earth.

The personal presence of God here in this world opens the way for every person to be given a new life with God. This life begins now and extends into an eternal life beyond death.

That’s is good news for people who are unable by themselves to escape the confines of sin and death.

The birth of Jesus is the appearance of God’s grace in human form.

III Listening for the Good News Proper III

The G is John’s version of the Christmas story. It proclaims the ‘becoming flesh’ of the eternal Word of God, who lived on this earth among us and revealed the glory of God. He saved us from the darkness of life on earth offering us the power to become children of God.

The FR expresses the unbounded joy of hearing God’s good news of salvation and comfort and rescue.

The SR proclaims the supreme greatness of God’s Word, spoken and become flesh in his Son, Jesus. This is the

FR: Is.9:2-7 Ps: Ps.96 SR: Titus 2:11-14 G: Lk.2:1-14 (15-20)

FR: Is.62:6-12 Ps: Ps.97 SR: Titus 3:4-7 G: Lk.2:(1-7) 8-20

FR: Is.52:7-10 Ps: Ps.98 SR: Heb.1:1-4 (5-12) G: Jn.1:1-14

climactic event, as far as God’s speaking to humankind is concerned. After his victory over sin Jesus is exalted to a position at God’s right hand. This demonstrates his superiority even to angels.

The Ps is one of joyful praise for the justice and victory God has achieved for the whole world.

God has always been speaking to humankind, using a variety of ways to communicate with them. But this Word actually made an appearance on this earth in the incarnation of his Son. This personal presence of God’s Word brings to this earth a power that works victory for the human race, and offers restoration to a right relationship with God.

That’s good news for people who are unable by themselves to be restored to a close relationship with God.

Through his birth the incarnate Word of God brings victory over sin and death.

This Sunday’s contribution to our 12-day Christmas celebration

Today my Christmas celebration will centre on the incarnation of God in his Son. God taking on human flesh and blood to meet us in our predicament of slavery to sin and death. Above everything else that’s the message of Christmas. That’s what gives rise to the joy and hope and peace – and mystery – of Christmas!

F i r s t S u n d a y a f t e r C h r i s t m a s A quick look at the readings for this Sunday reveals that our worship centers on the early years of Jesus’ life – and there are not many incidents from this time recorded in the Bible. But three can be found – Jesus’ visit to the temple in Jerusalem where his parents offered the required offering of purification following his birth (year B), the escape to Egypt when Herod’s massacre of the under-2-year-olds threatened the life of Jesus (year A), and Jesus’ visit to the Jerusalem temple at the age of 12 years (year C).

I don’t think I have a significant number of memories of my childhood. But the impact of those I have is very significant. They tell me who I am, and give me a place in a family. And this provided me with many of my values and beliefs, my morals and understanding of life. The Bible’s record of incidents in Jesus’ early life may not be numerous, but they certainly provide us with the insights into Jesus’ close relationship with his human family (the human race) and with his heavenly Father.


The G is the account of the fleeing of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre of the innocents (as it is generally called). This is followed by their subsequent move to Nazareth to live. Matthew is at pains to show that all along Scripture is being fulfilled.

The FR proclaims that God shares the pain and suffering of his people when they are in trouble – and his willingness to step in, in his great mercy, to rescue and save his people. The G certainly gives one example of this.

In the SR the importance of suffering in the life of Jesus is made clear. It reveals his close relationship with humanity; it allows him to share in the sufferings of those whom he saves, and to make an appropriate sacrifice for their atonement. The escape to Egypt (in the G) is arguably Jesus’ first contact with human suffering (made starker by the fact that only he was the one whom Herod was trying to kill, and he was the only one who was rescued from it).

The Ps calls on the whole of creation and all people on earth and all in heaven to praise God for his power and greatness.

Today’s readings are devoted to a very significant incident following the visit of the wise men. It’s a massacre from which God had to rescue his Son. The readings acknowledge both the suffering generated by this event, including the impact on Jesus’ role as the Saviour, as well as the rescue God provided. They reveal Jesus’ inseparable connection with his human family and with his Father in heaven. God is proclaimed as one who remains outside of history, letting human events take their course with their resultant consequences, but who also steps in when his plans are threatened – even if this stepping in involves God in human suffering.

That’s good news for people who wonder about God’s relationship with human suffering.

The early years of Jesus – he has a unique oneness with the human race and with his Father in heaven.


In the G Jesus’ parents carry out the requirement of the law regarding his birth by offering the appropriate sacrifice of purification in the temple. There Simeon praises God for allowing him to live to see the Messiah. He also tells Mary that opposition to Jesus will bring deep pain for her. The prophet, Anna, praises God and proclaims the redemption in Jesus.

The FR proclaims the salvation which God gives, and will give, to his people. It reminds me of Simeon’s psalm of praise in the G.

The SR alludes to the G account in its assertion that God’s Son was born under the law. Because of that, it proclaims, Jesus is able to redeem all who are born under the law, freeing them from subjection and slavery to the law, and granting them the status of children of God. This allows us to see ourselves not just as God’s children but as his

FR: Is.63:7-9 Ps: Ps.148 SR: Heb.2:10-18 G: Mat.2:13-23

FR: Is.61:10 - 62:3 Ps: Ps.148 SR: Gal.4:4-7 G: Lk.2:22-40

heirs.

The Ps calls on the whole of creation and all people on earth and all in heaven to praise God for his power, greatness and gift of salvation.

Today’s readings proclaim that the salvation Jesus brings means being released from subjection to God’s law. It is being given the freedom of being adopted into God’s family and receiving the inheritance of eternal life.

That’s good news for people who feel guilt or fear because of their disobedience to God.

The early years of Jesus – his oneness with the human race enables us to be given the freedom of oneness with God’s Son.


The G is the account of the visit of the 12-year-old Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. He fails to return with his parents and their relatives and friends, preferring to stay in the temple learning from the teachers there. When located by his parents after 3 days he proclaims that it should have been obvious he would be there in his Father’s house.

The FR picks up on the comment Luke makes in the verse before the G and then repeats at the end of the G – that Jesus is growing in favour with other people and with God. It speaks about another boy who also grew in favour with people and God, Samuel.

In the SR Paul describes in quite some detail the kind of life that causes a person to grow in favour with other people and with God. To think that this life is a gift from God to those whom he has chosen to be his!

The Ps calls on the whole of creation and all people on earth and all in heaven to praise God for his power, greatness and gift of salvation.

Every child of God is given a life in which they can grow in favour with other people and with God. This applies to Jesus, and to all those to whom God gives the gift of faith – and therefore the gift of son/daughter-ship.

Of course, Jesus’ later life showed that his life of growing in favour with God and others can be looked on with a great deal of disfavour by some people – and for all kinds of good selfish reasons. The same may well happen to any Christian. But, again like Jesus, we have no option but to persist with the God-like life. Because that’s what the active grace and love of God is constantly producing in us; that’s what is constantly struggling to show in our lives.

That’s good news for people who are tempted to react and retaliate in ways that are not godly.

The early years of Jesus – his awareness of being God’s Son is given to all those whom God chooses to be his children.

This Sunday’s contribution to our 12-day Christmas celebration

Today, together with the Name of Jesus (on 1st Jan.), my Christmas celebration can be enriched by hearing about an event in Jesus’ early years. While Christmas Day celebrates Jesus’ glory and oneness with God, this day celebrates the equally amazing truth of his oneness with the not-so-glorious human race. And the mystery of it all!

FR: 1 Sam.2:18-20,26 Ps: Ps.148 SR: Col.3:12-17 G: Lk.2:41-52

N e w Y e a r ’ s E v e

A quick look at these readings tells me of God’s involvement in this world, and in my life.

I haven’t ever got excited by New Year celebrations and the making of new year resolutions. Why that’s been the case I’m not sure, maybe it’s . . . no, I can’t even be bothered with making a guess. However, while on the topic of new year resolutions, I sometimes do wonder if God makes resolutions – and IF he does, what new year resolution he might make about our world today, or even about me.

ABC Listening for the Good News Year A,B,C

The G is the parable about a fig tree that hasn’t produced any fruit for 3 years. It’s about to be cut down. But the gardener appeals for another year’s grace in the hope that it will respond to special care with a good crop.

In the FR God gives Jeremiah a vision of 2 baskets of figs. The message for God’s people in exile is that he will treat them like good figs, restoring their fortunes, returning them to their

land, and giving them a new heart.

In the SR Peter announces that in this passing and perishing world the imperishable Word of God is at work. This Word gives God’s people a new birth into a life of genuine love for one another.

The Ps is a prayer to God, the eternal one, who created this passing-away world, asking for a secure and longer life.

While the passing of another year can remind us of the temporary nature of our world, and of our life, these readings proclaim the care and mercy of our eternal God. He shows his mercy in his willingness to give his people another chance. And through the gift of his eternal Word, his active Word, he is bestowing eternal blessings and creating eternal life. As far as new year resolutions go, these readings can be seen as proclaiming decisions God makes for his people, constantly – what great resolutions to depend on at the beginning of a new year!

That’s good news for people who live in a passing world and whose life is subjected to death.

The immortal and eternal God brings his imperishable gifts to us death-bound humans.

FR: Jer.24:1-7 Ps: Ps.102:24-28 SR: 1 Pet.1:22-25 G: Lk.13:6-9

1 s t J a n u a r y There are two ways to celebrate Jan 1st. One is to focus on the event in Jesus’ life that happened one week after his birth – his circumcision and naming. The other is to observe, especially if there has been no New Year’s Eve service, the beginning of a new year (see next page).

Name of Jesus


I’ve come across varying reactions by people to the name they’ve been given. Most seems to be happy, though some wonder about the reason for it, especially when they discover what it means. Some don’t like it, but put up with it. Some go by their second name. Some change it as soon as they can without appearing rude. Some are given a nickname and have no choice but to go with that. What’s the big deal about names and naming?

The G is the account of the shepherds’ visit to the new born Jesus and Mary’s pondering on what the angels had told the shepherds. This is followed by the account of the circumcision and naming of Jesus eight days later.

In the SRa Paul proclaims that the birth of God’s Son brought to people subject to his law the gift of their adoption as children and heirs of God.

The SRb is a hymn that proclaims the humility of Jesus, who emptied himself of his glory as God and subjected himself to death on the cross. In response God exalts him to a position of supreme authority where he receives the praise of every person.

The FR records God’s gift of grace for his people, given to Moses and passed on by Aaron and the priests – the gift of having God’s own name being put on them (how about that!) in blessing.

The Ps praises God’s majestic name, particularly for his awesome work of creation, and for the honour he has given to humankind to be the caretakers of his creation.

I hear two related themes in today’s readings. The first is the humility and sonship of Jesus. His sonship means that through faith we share with him the gift of being a child of God. The second revolves around the name of Jesus/God. Amazingly this name is placed on his people in blessing – and in a number of ways. This allows us to share in the honour and power that belongs to that name, as we care for God’s creation and stand in awe of our adoption as his children.

That’s good news for people who may feel small and insignificant when confronted by the passing of years.

The naming of Jesus – God’s grace in allowing us to bear his name.

Today’s contribution to our 12-day Christmas celebration

Today, together with the First Sunday after Christmas, my Christmas celebration can be enriched by hearing about another event in Jesus’ early years. While Christmas Day celebrates Jesus’ glory and oneness with God, this day celebrates the equally amazing truth of his oneness with the not-so-glorious human race. And the mystery of it all!

FR: Num.6:22-27 Ps: Ps. 8 SRa: Gal.4:4-7 SRb: Phil.2:5-11 G: Lk.2:15-21

1 s t J a n u a r y

New Year’s Day


Time moves on – and I can do nothing to stop it. But what impact does this relentless passing of time have on me – or should have on me?

The G is the parable of the sheep and goats, which highlights the work of Jesus as the Judge of all the nations. It proclaims God’s gift of a faith which is so bound up with Jesus that it automatically serves him through its serving of other people in their needs.

The SR is John’s vision of heaven, where God dwells with his people to serve them eternally.

In the FR we are told that there is a right time to take part in all the various aspects of life in this world – even though we may not be able to make complete sense of this life as it comes to us.

The Ps praises God’s majestic name, particularly for his awesome work of creation, and for the honour he has given to humankind by making them the caretakers of his creation.

These readings speak to us as we consider the passing of time, and may cause us to evaluate our life and look at how this passing of time is affecting us. These readings also announce some really important aspects of life here in this world. They proclaim God’s ownership of the world and of time, the part we are privileged to play in God’s world, and his plan to bring it all to an end on that great day when his new eternal life will take over. Through all that happens God is in control and is bringing his world and our life to his glorious new make-over.

That’s good news for people who so easily let the details of everyday life rob them of the vision of God’s glorious goal for them and for history.

The immortal and eternal God is guiding our history and world history to his eternal goal.

FR: Ecc.3:1-13 Ps: Ps. 8 SR: Rev.21:1-6a G: Mat.25:31-46

S e c o n d S u n d a y a f t e r C h r i s t m a s

A quick look at these readings gets my attention back to Christmas and reminds me of the rich blessings that Jesus’ birth and life brings to me.

It’s as if this Sunday is giving me a last opportunity to appreciate the Christmas gifts from God that I so easily take for granted, before we move on to the Epiphany season. The fact that this Sunday only occurs in the church year around 50% of the time – and when it does, the day may be celebrated as Epiphany (so that Epiphany isn’t left out) – means that perhaps this Second Sunday after Christmas doesn’t get the attention it deserves.


The G takes our minds back to Christmas Day. It proclaims the ‘becoming flesh’ of the eternal Word of God, who lived on this earth among us and revealed the glory of God. He saved us from the darkness of life in this world offering us the power to become children of God. The reading also proclaims that we have been given a part in the glory and grace that Jesus brought to us from God himself.

In the SR Paul has a great list of the blessing and gifts that God has bestowed on us in Jesus – his choice of us to be holy, his adoption of us, his forgiveness lavished on us, the knowledge of his plan of unity for all things in Jesus, his eternal inheritance, and the seal of the Holy Spirit to guarantee this inheritance.

The FR is God’s promise to bring his people back from exile to a prosperous and rich land where they will again rejoice in God’s rescue and praise and thank him for it.

The Ps is one of joyful praise for God’s unique relationship with Israel, for his speaking to them, and for the blessings he pours out.

The readings for today seem to round off the Christmas Season so well with their proclamation of the amazingly rich abundance of blessings we have because of the incarnation of God’s Son. They announce that we are well and truly included in the Christmas events, and included in such a way that God’s Christmas blessings reach right into our life here and overflow into an abundant eternal life with God.

That’s good news for people who tend to take for granted the so-costly-won gifts and blessing from God.

The birth of Jesus results and overflows in lavish, eternal blessing for the human race.

Today’s contribution to our 12-day Christmas celebration

Today is the last worship opportunity in our 12-days of Christmas. So it’s a fitting look back at the great eternal blessings that God’s incarnation brings to humankind.

FR: Jer.31:7-14 Ps: Ps.147:12-15(16-18)19-20 SR: Eph.1:3-14 G: Jn.1:(1-9)10-18

SURPRISED BY GOD’S GOOD NEWS

I’m amazed at the surprises God keeps throwing at me. The undeserved blessings that fill my life, the grace that hides behind the problems and difficulties and pains in life, the promises of mercy that fill his message in the Bible. Above all I enjoy gathering on Sundays when God’s surprises are announced and proclaimed – and celebrated. The way he acts, the way he thinks, the forgiveness and grace and mercy he reveals – all this astounds me, dumbfounds me. And it has a profound effect on my life, as I try to cope with the almost-unbelievable surprises of his grace and mercy.

Often these surprises at Sunday worship hit me quite out of the blue. I don’t expect them, I’m unprepared for them, and I’m not ready for the damage they do to the mould of my thinking. I also know I can limit these wonderful surprises, and their impact on me, if I just sit back and wait for them to happen.

But I can get myself ready to be surprised. I can look through the readings for the coming Sunday and listen for the surprising mercy and grace of God that those readings proclaim. It doesn’t lessen or weaken or destroy the surprise if I know exactly what the surprise is going to be. No, it increases the surprise – the anticipation adds to it. And there’s always the added surprise when that Sunday’s surprise doesn’t turn out to be the one I expected and prepared for.

These pages contain something of the gracious and merciful surprises that fill the Good News that’s there to be proclaimed Sunday by Sunday in the readings for the day. I’ve tried to find a theme for each Sunday of the Church year – a theme that summarizes that Sunday’s Good News in Jesus. The surprising mercy and grace highlighted here is just some of what I’ve heard – and heard so far.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if in your worship and your preparation for worship you hear stacks more. If only I could hear all that you hear.

In this attempt I admit to working with the following presuppositions or assumptions: - The readings for each Sunday of the church year were chosen because they share some common threads or themes. - The dominant reading as far as the Sunday’s theme is concerned is the Gospel reading. The other readings were chosen because they have some tie-in with the Gospel. (So I have started the listening process with the Gospel reading, and then moved to the other readings.) - I think it is helpful for the worship experience to know how the readings relate to each other; and, when taken together, what specific aspect of God’s good news they proclaim.

Neil Stiller (v. 2018) www.stillersite.wordpress.com

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