Advent calls us to re-evaluate our lives and commitments and to consider what we might need to let go of in order to give more whole-hearted attention to things that matter. 

This week's news 

Change is coming to the regulation of the press. There are huge differences of opinion about the nature, extent and speed of the changes and about how much the press can be trusted to do act appropriately. ‘The clock is ticking,’ David Cameron has warned. Left to our own devices, how often do we do what is right? What needs regulation?

Charles Dickens was a great observer of human nature and wrote of the motivations and desires that govern lives and shape our futures. Great Expectations is a prime example of Dickens’ understanding of the human condition and of the hope and despair that colour it. 

The Pope has opened a Twitter account but has yet to post – prompting suggestions for telling the Christian story in 140 characters. What would you say?

In his autumn statement, George Osborne announces further spending cuts (14 billion pounds of them), amid concerns at slow growth and weak recovery. How far should the weakest pay for the sins of the powerful? Chancellor, how much is it going to hurt?

A typhoon has hit the southern Philippines, a reminder of human frailty and vulnerability against nature.

In Egypt, protest continues and questions are asked about the kind of leader Egypt should have.

The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby. What kind of world should we seek to build for future generations?

Reflection

Luke’s Gospel today takes us right into the centres of power and influence. It is into the heart of government and leadership, both secular and spiritual, and into contemporary culture that the word of God arrives. It is in these places that God speaks like a lone voice in the wilderness, calling us to make way for a different kind of leadership and a new way of relating. If we lead others, how do we sit with our authority? How should we exercise our power in relation to other people? For all of us, how far do we go in our efforts to speak out for the values and the heart of the gospel in the places of power? 

Who are today’s ‘lone voices’? Spend some time praying for those whose courage challenges the status quo. Might we need to ask God for more courage to stand up and to speak out against what is wrong?

Following through the call of the Advent season to simplify, to pare down, limit and to prioritise, take some time to consider what you might cut out in order to make time for friends family and the things that really matter.

The readings tell us that God’s intention is to purify us in order to make us ready. Though this is not an easy process God calls us deeper into fullness of life and out of the shadow of death (Luke 1.79). Which parts of our lives need to be brought into the light of Christ and what healing do we need? Are there relationships that need to be mended and made new? Perhaps also there are reasons to look at our structures and institutions and to consider which parts of them need to be healed and cleansed so that the light of Christ can shine more strongly through them into the world. John the Baptist calls us all to repentance and to wholeness of life. Are we ready to listen to this call?

Prayer

Prepare the way.
Make room.

In our hearts and lives:
prepare the way for God!

In our homes and workplaces:
prepare the way for God!

In our life choices and hopes:
prepare the way for God!

In our friendships and families:
prepare the way for God!

In our choosing and planning:
prepare the way for God!

In our joys and our sorrows:
prepare the way for God!

Prepare the way.
Choose.
Let go.
Make room.

For God is close.
Salvation is near.
Amen.

Use the words from the song ‘Be still, for the presence of the Lord’:

Questions

• Can we live more simply?
• How can we encourage each other in the church to live less busy lives?
• God says one thing is asked of us: To do justly love mercy and walk humbly with God. How can we learn to do what is necessary as a church and leave aside those things that distract us?

Action

Make way! Most of us have far more than we need and much more than is ever necessary. What does our clutter say about our priorities? Does making straight paths for God mean that we need to get rid of some baggage – physical and emotional? What can we give to others to meet their need?

Young People

Advent de-cluttering – how hard is it to let go of possessions? Think about giving away something you no longer need.

Consider what you place your value in. Imagine that you have to leave your house in five minutes. What five things would you have to take with you? What could you not leave behind? When do possessions become a burden?

Diane Craven is a free-lance trainer and a Reader in the Diocese of York.

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