Welcome to Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday". Our Church Services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you're unable to be with us in person, you will find resources for worship at home below.
Our first hymn his morning is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Today's Gospel
John 1:6-8,19-28 John the Baptist Denies being Christ
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptising.
Reflection
Last week, we heard Mark’s version of the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness proclaiming a baptism for the repentance and forgiveness of sins. However, other than a brief description of his clothes and diet it doesn’t really paint a picture of what John’s role was or his importance.
In John’s Gospel, this is clearly called out from the very outset in verse 6-8; He was a man ‘sent from God’ and he had a very clear purpose – to be a witness and to testify to Jesus, the light of the world.
He makes it abundantly clear that this is his purpose in life, to be a witness and testify that Jesus is the Son of God and light to the world. He is also unequivocal in stating that he himself is not Jesus and neither is he a reincarnation of Elijah or Moses, nor is he himself a prophet, albeit he does confirm that he is the ‘voice in the wilderness’ as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, (Isaiah 40:3).
From before he was born, when he jumped in his mother’s womb in the presence of the pregnant Mary, mother of Jesus; John knew exactly what his reason and destiny in life was. How wonderful is that? Imagine, what it would mean for each of us if we knew exactly what our purpose in life is.
Clearly, there are some times in our lives when our purpose seems clearer than others. When we fall in love, care for someone deeply and have a family and feel that our purpose is to look after them. Or perhaps it’s some sort of passion we have for a cause, to make a difference and help others, or simply just to reach out and help strangers and make a positive impact in the world.
Whatever it is, like John, we need to trust in God’s will. That he will guide us to love each other and work for justice and peace with kindness, love and generosity, however large or small our role is. So that we too may shine as a light in the world. Paul
Our Prayers
Holy and gracious Father,
We pray for clarity of purpose in our lives,
to look wider than our current circumstances and further than our immediate future;
That we may discern your will and understand what part we can play in your world.
Help each of us to fulfil our role
in bringing your kingdom nearer.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Gaudete"
Notices
This evening at 6.30 pm we have our traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Thomas' Church. Everyone is invited to come and join us, and there will be refreshments afterwards.
Then on Monday at 6 pm we meet at St Thomas' to go Carol Singing around Lees. This is a great way to take Christmas out to people who might not be able to get to church. We also collect money for the Booth Centre for homeless people in Manchester. Singers and collectors are most welcome to join us, especially family groups.
Our full programme of services for Christmas is shown in the poster below.
