Colourful Dreamer

 Gate Pa – Advent 4 2012 Readings: Hebrew Scripture:     Micah 5 : 2-5a   Psalm:                          Luke 1: 46-55 (Magnificat) Epistle:                        Hebrews 10: 5-10 Gospel:                        Luke 1: 39-45   What I want to say: use this story and Magnificat to explore who Mary is and what that might mean for us as we approach Christmas who is Jesus in light of who is mother is What I want to happen: people to be inspired by strong courageous Mary to ask what does she offer us this Christmas as we look to the Christ amongst us   The Sermon      1.       St Matthew’s billboard St. Matthews in Auckland in news again for one of their billboards Personally like this one from last year what do you think of this?             how do you react? what does it say to you? what want to say about it?       talk to your neighbours      2.       Heresy some people would say  – heretical             Mary not been worried       

The Christmas message from our Archbishops makes sobeing reading as we move into this "festive time" May you all know God's peace and wisdom this Christmas

Theme for the day - Epiphany The Merriam-Webster online dictionary [1] defines EPIPHANY among other things as - A (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure B : a revealing scene or moment. So what intuitive grasp of reality are we being asked to grasp in today’s story of the Magi coming to Jesus?   In 614, as part of their on-going conflict with the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire, the Persians invaded Palestine. The story is told that when they arrived in Bethlehem, they saw magnificent mosaics on the entrance to the Church of the Nativity depicting Persian Magi (an office in Persian society), and left it relatively unscathed. Other holy places did not fare so well. Seeing their ancestors on the church wall helped that invading army to see that somehow this

Theme for the week: Each week I write a short introduction to the themes I initially identify out of the readings. I thought I would share them here once they are written. Here is the theme for this week, Advent 4. The Gospel is Luke 1: 39-45 We at last meet Mary, this astoundingly brave and faithful young woman. Today’s gospel can be read as two women going through the same thing, their first pregnancy, and spending time encouraging each other. And yet what they are going through is at polar opposites. Elizabeth is celebrating the end of her shame, and the gift of a child that makes her complete. She can take her place in her community with no hesitation or shame. Zechariah has a son to follow him serving in the Temple. Mary’s pregnancy, unlike Elizabeth’s, only brings shame and danger. Mary has fled for her life. Luke tells us she “went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country”. Her pregnancy brings a mountain of shame on her family, and on Joseph’s family. Whil