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Author Archives: Stratocastermagic
Candid Camera
These days, television shows which use hidden cameras are commonplace. Back in the day, there was Candid Camera. Members of the public were put in bizarre situations and their reactions secretly filmed. And hilarity ensued. My favourite stunt is from the … Continue reading
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Reflections on the Advent Wreath 4. The Blessed Virgin Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary, a picture of serenity in stained glass window or pious painted scene on a religious Christmas card. In your blue cloak, and in quiet contemplation, you wait devoutly for the Angel to bring you his news. But … Continue reading
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Reflections on the Advent Wreath 3. John the Baptist
In the succession of prophets comes one John the Baptiser. Severe, austere, uncompromising – and those are just his good points! And with a dress sense and diet that befits his otherworldliness. (Wouldn’t Trinny & Susannah and Gillian McKeith love … Continue reading
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Reflections on the Advent Wreath 2. Isaiah
Who would be a prophet? What a job! Such a thankless task! Now, I know we shouldn’t shoot the messenger, just because his words are unwelcome. But, really! Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth;for the Lord has spoken:I reared … Continue reading
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Are You Ready?
Sermon preached at St Matthew’s, Stretton At Parish Communion 10:30AM Sunday 7 December 2014 Psalm Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-15a Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 Additional Collect: Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son … Continue reading
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Reflections on the Advent Wreath 1. Abraham
Abram: his name means ‘exalted father’, but this Abram has no children and the prospects don’t look good. It’s enough to make you laugh, really. Laugh, or cry. An old man and his wife who’s ‘barren’ (horrid word!). And he’s … Continue reading
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Tagged Abraham, Advent, Father Abram, God of Abraham, Jesus Christ, Patriarchs
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It’s the end of the world as we know it.
In today’s Gospel (Luke 21:20-28), Jesus gets eschatological. You may not know what ‘eschatological’ means. But don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and then compares that with the end of the … Continue reading
Remembrance Sunday 2014
In the half-term break, Rose and I visited London and were able to see the poppies at the Tower of London. “Up to 4m people are expected to have visited before 12 November, when there will be 888,246 ceramic poppies … Continue reading
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Lost!
Luke 15 I never did get into the US TV series, ‘Lost’. I saw the pilot episode, which was one of those American shows that has a bigger budget than the entire British film industry since the War. It’s the … Continue reading
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November!
November! November November – hardly anybody’s favourite month. Even those of us who have birthdays! It’s often a bleak month, although this year it has begun with some mild autumnal weather. There are newspaper headlines promising “Coldest winter in 100 … Continue reading
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