In years gone by I used to travel to Paris for a few days in Advent. Walking, eating, sightseeing but especially absorbing myself in the sheer wonder of its history and art.
When I think of Christmas this wonderful painting by George de la Tour ‘ the
Sermon for Christmas eve St George's Chapel Windsor 2014
Posted on by James Woodward
St George’s Chapel Windsor Castle
Christmas Eve Communion 2014: The Christmas Truce
This evening I want to remind you of something very remarkable that happened exactly 100 years ago to this day. The world was at five months into an armed conflict that ended the lives of f
into His Peace
Posted on by James Woodward
And because of His visitation, we may no
longer desire God as if He were lacking: our
redemption is no longer a question of pursuit
but of surrender to Him who is always and
everywhere present. Therefore at every moment
we pray that, following Him, we may depart from
ou
The Christmas Truce
Posted on by James Woodward
The Christmas Truce
One hundred years ago the world was at war - it was a conflict that changed the world for ever and at this anniversary we have been remembering its impact upon the families and communities in our country. In particular we remember with sorrow our human cap
Christmas prayers for those in Pain
Posted on by James Woodward
Lord God,
whose Son, Jesus Christ,
understood people's fear and pain
before they spoke of them,
we pray for those in hospital;
surround the frightened
with your tenderness;
give strength to those in pain;
hold the weak in your arms of love,
and give hope and patience
Christmas prayers for Syria
Posted on by James Woodward
A Prayer for Peace in Syria
Spirit of wisdom and grace,
the power of truth and judgement;
we pray for all who are working for peace
in the tangled conflict of Syria today.
For international leaders holding a thread of control,
for the politicians holding a thread of power
Christmas prayers for the homeless
Posted on by James Woodward
God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfo
Christmas prayer for reconciliation
Posted on by James Woodward
Lord God of compassion,
whose will is for peace built on righteousness,
we pray for peace in Gaza:
for an end to hostilities,
for comfort and help for all who suffer,
and for reconciliation between Palestine and Israel,
through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Christmas makes a diffrence
Posted on by James Woodward
People often complain that religion doesn't make a difference - that people aren't better because of it. So what difference does worship this morning make to our lives? Does Christmas mean anything?
Yes - today makes a world of difference. For in the message of this Christmas
Light on our Lives
Posted on by James Woodward
Last month I travelled to Paris for a short break and spent some time with in the Louvre. It was good to catch this wonderful painting by George de la Tour ' the Adoration of the Shepherds'. I captured some fragments of photographs and have been dwelling on it in these last hou
