John Potter. A collection of Poems, Pictures, Readings and Reflections

© John Potter A collection of Poems, Pictures, Readings and Reflections ©East Midlands Synod 2016 Introduction This collection of thoughts, poetry...
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© John Potter

A collection of Poems, Pictures, Readings and Reflections

©East Midlands Synod 2016

Introduction This collection of thoughts, poetry and pictures has been compiled from around the Synod to provide a daily meditation for the season of Advent. We hope you will find these useful as you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus in 2016. May this Advent be pregnant with meaning and hope and may your vision of God grow ever greater. God Bless, Deborah East Midlands Synod, TDO

1st December Need to make room If he comes, will he bring comfort for the dying, peace instead of war? If he comes, will he offer hope to the despairing, friendship to the lonely? If he comes, will he bring

If we do not – if I do not halt to hearken to the pleas of the poor, the heartache of the bereaved, what can we – what can I hope he will bring?

solace to the suffering,

If we do not – if I do not pause

healing to the sick?

to pay heed to the dispossessed refugee,

Because if he does not, how will we know

the emaciated starving,

that he has come? When will we realise

We – I need to make room.

that he cannot come

© Gillian Poucher

then there is no place for him.

apart from us – apart from me? If we do not – if I do not stop to attend to the solitary journey towards death, the conflict within the family, can we – can I expect him to come?

© Georgina Neale

Luke 2:7:‘And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.’

2nd December

Christmas without you We're getting ready for Christmas. There's so much work to do. We're writing out our Christmas cards. But...it won't be the same without you.

We're getting ready for Christmas. We're full of Christmas cheer. We’re making lists and shopping. But...it's no fun if you're not here. We're getting ready for Christmas. We've trimmed up our Christmas Tree. We've chocolate, treats and goodies. But...I'd rather have you here with me. We're getting ready for Christmas. We're putting on a brave face. Life goes on ...so they say... But...I want you...not this empty place. We're getting ready for Christmas. Christmas time is for family and friends. © Georgina Neale

So, we'll think of you and happy times, memories and love never ends. © Joy Rice

© John66:13 Potter “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort Isaiah you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”

3rd December The Messenger. 1. He took great pride in his task,

3. He took great pride in his task, An important message to share,

An important message to share,

He had to speak to a group of Shepherds

He had to speak to a girl named Mary

To deliver his message with care.

To deliver his message with care.

He delivered to them Glad Tidings

“She was going to have a baby,

In Bethlehem a babe born this day,

Had been chosen to mother God’s son.

They would find Him asleep in a manger

Her task would not always be easy,

All warmly wrapped up in fresh hay.

But God knew that she was the one.”

This was no ordinary baby

Mary had lots of questions,

This baby was Christ the Lord,

Wondered, “How can this possibly be?”

A choir of angels echoed the message

She would try her best to be ready

Told the shepherds to tell it abroad.

To love and welcome her special baby. 2. He took great pride in his task,

4. He took great pride in his task,

An important message to share,

An important message to share,

He had to speak to a man named Joseph

He had to speak to a man named Joseph

To deliver his message with care.

To deliver his message with care.

This time he delivered a warning

Joseph was not feeling happy,

The family must not return home.

His betrothed she had let him down.

King Herod was seeking the baby

She was having another man’s baby,

On the road they must start to roam.

On his face was a permanent frown.

The journey would not be easy

The task was to comfort Joseph,

But the baby must not be found.

Tell him Mary was free from all blame. The babe that she bore was most special, And Jesus should be his name.

© John Potter They would find a refuge in Egypt

Baby Jesus kept safe and sound. © Shirley Eastman

Luke 1:19 ‘The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news”.’

4th December Candles From the hard, white light of day, Out of the glittering show, The garish and the stern display, I turn to candles and their dimmer glow. Too much joy is pain; Our ecstasies are such, The heart is helpless to contain The whole or it be burdened overmuch. The coloured dome of glass That breaks the blinding light Will let its glory through it pass, But shattered fragments greet our wakened sight. Beauty’s face we see In furtive glimpses now; In shining facets flashing free We trace the jewels on her darkling brow.

So on the twinkling flame Of candles I can gaze When all the glare of noonday fame © John Potter Has hurt my eyes for days and weary days. I feel the fine repose Of this great building’s mass; Among the arches silence grows, And spreading sombre shadows through them pass.

© Georgina Neale

Now at the farthest end Two altar candles shine, And through the stones they seem to send An impulse quick’ning every mighty line. The world in which I learn Is a dim, mysterious place; But I can watch its candles burn, And from the strange white light can hide my face. Written by Revd Reg Dean in 1943 Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

5th December Love As Lennon and McCartney wrote “Love is all you need”. So, remember Love this Christmas, in a world that seems mad with greed. Ponder on the poverty of that simple stable scene. Why did God choose that poor place? What does it really mean? For in the shepherds, angels, kings. Characters of the Nativity crèche. Central to it all is - Jesus the Christ God’s word - Love - made flesh. The angels sang their hearts out, Hallelujah and Glory from above.

© John Potter

© Georgina Neale

The message sent from heaven to earth All you need is love!

So, spread some love this Christmas time. Share a smile, a kind word, a good deed. Give time to others, show you care. Love is all you need! © Joy Rice Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The

virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

6th December Kings Reflection Looking back, I am not really sure why we did it. It was a long hard journey for all of us but there was that star and it seemed to herald something. It’s hard to put your finger on why it was important but we all felt it. I asked Caspar if he had seen it and he went into raptures about the beauty of the light and the time of the appearance and something about its fundamental meaning – it spoke to him of a great King and a Priest – someone really close to the true God. When we went to Balthazar to ask should we follow the star, he simply nodded – a man of few words, Balthazar – but he runs deep. I was just packing and Caspar ran in all excited and shouted “Gifts! We’ve got to take gifts.” I said, “Well, it’s gold for a King,” and he said, “Yes. And, and it’s Frankincense for a priest.” I agreed - but then we wondered what could Balthazar possibly give? When we called over, he showed us a box. We both said, “You can’t give that to a baby!” but he just shrugged and put it in his bags anyway. Like I said.. The star had appeared from the east and then traced a graceful arc right over us and swung back to the horizon across to the south-west. We set off on its tail. Our journey took us across the Euphrates at Seleucia and then to Palmyra and Damascus. The star re-appeared each night and followed the same trail over our heads, guiding us along our route and keeping us true. © John Potter We had heard of the Kingdom of Israel and knew of the beautiful city of Jerusalem with its golden dome on the temple. The ruler we knew to be a cruel man, but then, that did not distinguish him from most kings of the time. Kings hang on to power by torturing and killing anyone who threatens power and they are brutal people with no friends – just levels of enemy. Jerusalem seemed to be in the direct path of the star so we conferred and Caspar said, “That’s the way we have to go – like it or not. We are being drawn to the capital and that’s surely where a new king/priest would be born, isn’t it? Politics or no – that’s where we have to go.” Balthazar – well he just nodded. Another two days and we arrived at the north gate and were able to enter the city after some negotiation with the keeper – assisted by a little silver. We sought an audience with the king which took a deal of patience and even more care than the arrangements with the gate keeper. King Herod was just as we expected – a small unpleasant man and there was a malevolence about him that made us all feel uneasy. As we gave him the news of the star and what we felt it had meant to us, Herod started to his feet and cried out in shock – a shock that almost seemed like – like terror. He stormed out and there was a stir in the court with all the people reflecting that terror.

Afterwards, we thought it had been a mistake to get mixed up in this place but we were here and we had to stay. Moments later, Herod returned and he seemed more composed – everyone relaxed – visibly relaxed. He told us to leave and return the following day and he would grace us with his wisdom on the new king. We understood later that Herod had spent his time overnight feasting and sleeping while his advisors consulted their holy books. The next day we were brought before him and he told us we needed to go on a few miles to Bethlehem. The prophet Micah had told of a great king/priest being born of the house of David in the city of David.

Just before we left, the king called us into a private chamber and asked us to return when we had found the baby king and tell him where to find him so he could go himself to offer gifts and homage. Caspar breathed in to speak but Balthazar shook his head imperceptibly and Caspar slowly breathed out. We left quite quickly and headed south – and the star led the way. We approached the tiny little town of Bethlehem and were amazed that anything kingly could be born there. The star suddenly shone brightly and its light fell on a mean barn behind a shabby hostel. Going in we met a large man blocking our passage protecting what was within. We explained our journey and he relaxed and let us pass into the room. Inside, we found a young girl with her baby – dressed simply and not kinglike at all – but we felt such peace there and we fell on our knees and laid our gifts before the child. The mother gently smiled her thanks and we stayed a while enjoying the calm. Leaving the place, we spent the night in the open. Caspar woke early with a cry and said we had to go back over the Jordan and steer well clear of Jerusalem. We all felt this was a good plan – none of us had any desire to return to Herod. We © with John Potter arrived back at our city by travelling east and then north and sighed relief as we walked over the threshold.

Suddenly, Balthazar spoke and we fell silent in shock, “I suppose there will be Herods throughout all time perhaps even for two thousand years or even more. Hanging on to power by cruel practices but they will be as nothing compared to that young child – the son of God. He will be more than great and will achieve this without killing – he will achieve it by giving his life for others. He will keep his power using the power of love and this will endure for ever. His life will outlive all the evil of man. He will be remembered for his all powerful love right across the whole world.” Like I said – that man runs deep. And I am sure I know why we went. © Mark Hodgson

7th December Bethlehem 1. It was cold on the hills above Bethlehem, Busy Shepherds worked hard to be calm. They lit fires at night, which gave heat and light. Fire and flames keeping shepherds from harm. 2.It was quiet on the hills above Bethlehem, Sheep and Shepherds sleeping safely in the fold. When an angel appeared, it was more than they feared, Noise and light now added to the cold. 3. A story was told above Bethlehem The story of a special baby boy. The love that he brought was what everyone sought,

This baby would bring peace and joy. 4. A babe had been born in Bethlehem They would find him wrapped up in warm hay. They should hurry on down to Bethlehem town. A Star showed the place where he lay. 5. A choir sang in the sky above Bethlehem. With a message for all who would hear. For the babe born that day, now asleep in the hay,

© Lynn Clayton

Brought love for all, far and near. © Shirley Eastman

Isaiah 9: 6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be© John called Potter Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

8th December Advent Poem What sweeter music can we bring, than an Advent hymn for our heaven King. We rejoice to know that Christmas will come and welcome him, and make him room.

We make for him, and bequeath, a holly and an ivy wreath with candles five, four red one white, for the giver of both life and light to give him honour who is our King, who did us all salvation bring. So for four weeks we candles light to celebrate Christ’s love and might and look to his birth as God decreed, the Word made flesh and born to lead. On Christmas day we with praise will light the central candle tall and white to worship the babe all innocence;

© John Potter

© John Potter

a Saviour born for defence.

© Barbara Turner

John 8:12 “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’.”

9th December The Journey 1. The journey was long and distressing, Nights sleeping by the side of the road, A man and a woman with a babe soon to come, And a donkey to help bear the load. They had no choice but to travel, To Bethlehem, his family home, It was not a good time for Mary, But they followed the orders of Rome. 2. Mary was content in the knowing She was chosen to mother God’s boy, An angel had brought her the message, God’s child sure to give her much joy. Joseph was unsure of his feelings, Her baby would not be his son, Would he ever feel love for this infant? Could true happiness ever be won?

© Potter © John Georgina Neale

3. The town was all hustle and bustle, © John Potter The census called all to be there, “No room in this inn” all the notices said, And all seemed too busy to care. An innkeeper came to their rescue, His stable filled up with warm hay, And there in the warmth and the caring, Mary welcomed this special birth day.

4. So Joseph delivered the baby, A boy who was healthy and strong, And now in his heart he was certain, No way had his wife done him wrong. His love for this child it was instant, Pride and joy for his wife and their son. And in that first moment of glory Knew that this precious child was the one. © Shirley Eastman Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promise to her!”

10th December Isaiah 43:14-28 Reflection Christmas is a time when God springs out and up in new ways, with new energy, and new vision. The old ways are to be left behind. The old prisons are to be opened. Temple leaders are struck dumb, barren women conceive, wise people exclaim, and shepherds wonder. You may dispute a virgin birth, Magi, visiting shepherds, and very likely angels. We are all asked to connect with God; we are all challenged to connect very personally with God, we are all offered the opportunity to make a new beginning. Isaiah reminds us that God says to forget the old things and to be ready to see new things. The church has always been challenged to ever new ways of understanding God at work – we are no different. If Christmas brings the same old, same old .. then we may as well suggest that God is dead. If we believe he is alive and is the very substance of the world and our lives then we must expect a new birth in all its many ways. Are we really prepared for God’s new ways or do we still want his ways to fulfil what we regard as tradition and our wishes not his? ©John Cook

© John Potter

© Georgina Neale

11th December A stable! Why a stable? Surely The King of Kings should be born in hospital In a delivery suite Aseptic, fully equipped With analgesia on tap Perhaps a birthing pool And an Obstetrician in attendance (Might need a forceps, or even a section) And a Paediatrician in the SCBU next door Just in case! But no!

The king of Kings was born in a stable Dirty, smelly, insanitary, draughty, comfortless Desperate, Joseph pleaded with the landlord "Can't you see she's in labour?" But "No room" was the answer

Mary!

Till finally they relented

Why Mary? Surely The mother of the King of Kings should be of noble birth Someone with status, an aristocrat, With influence, with power A pillar of society, a household name But no!

The King of Kings was born of Mary A simple peasant maid Devoid of pretensions Accustomed to hard work Perhaps illiterate.

Shepherds! Why shepherds? Surely the birth of the King of Kings should be acclaimed By princes, by rulers, by statesmen

Caught short on a journey And forced to give birth © John Potter

By people of power and influence

Ambassadors should call Congratulatory messages sent and acknowledged Bunting put up, street parties organised But no!

The first to call were shepherds Humble shepherds Alarmed at first by the celestial displays but reassured by the angel

So they came Eager to see and greet the newborn babe In a stable

But no!

Wise men! Why wise men? They went first to the palace Surely that's the right place Where else to find the King of Kings?

They were redirected To a stable! What did they make of it all? Were they impressed, puzzled, confused? We don't know - theirs is but a walk-on part

© John Potter

What did Mary make of their gifts?

Why me? The angel said He is born to save To save all mankind

Gold - that's always useful

Including me!

But what to do with frankincense and myrrh

So let me too go to the stable

In a stable!

Divest myself of my pride

They come, they go

Confess my sins Me?

Acknowledge that this new-born babe Is indeed the King of Kings Accept that He has the power To forgive, to cleanse. to redeem And rejoice that I have found my saviour

© Alex Harrow

In a stable!

12th December A “coastal” reflection for Advent Living by the sea brings ever new insights into faith. Not only can it be monastic - in winter it can be lonely – it is open to contemplation on such a wide scale. Inland that is all but impossible; except from much greater heights yet hindered by polluting elements not usually apparent by the sea. To gain a wide clear vision of depth and knowledge about God’s actions in the incarnation sums up Advent for us. In the hustle and bustle of the weeks leading up to Christmas – trying to please everyone by choosing ‘their’ favourite Christmas carol during Advent, buying presents, sending cards, baking cakes, laying in too much even if all the family do descend on you – leaves little time for the cold chill business of trying to discern God afresh in the world. A perambulation by the seashore takes little thought and little more energy. The rhythmic waves and crunching sand under foot calm the mind. It is not only invigorating but, I find, revelatory in releasing the spirit through the bracing air. By imbibing the raw saltiness and expansive horizons the mind is not only lifted but expanded to receive all that God has to impart. Difficult in Derbyshire but some of you may well spend part of the season away from home and beside the sea. God © John Potter will meet you there – and wherever you are – even a dirty stable. ©John Cook

© John Potter

Psalm 85:8 “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.”

13th December It must be Madness! Special Star twinkling in the sky. Magi looking and wondering why? Following it as it flies by. It must be Madness! Evil King Herod - no one can deny. Pretenders to the throne must die! Herod really is a bad guy. It must be Badness! Census - everyone must comply. No room at the inn - oh my! Shelter needed somewhere dry. It must be Sadness! Shepherds, sheep and dogs...come by! Angels Hallelujahing on high. Rejoicing at that baby's cry. It must be Gladness!

© John Potter

Christ the baby born to die. Saviour sent for you and I. Wonder why? It must be Madness! © Joy Rice

Matthew 2:2-4 ’ “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and © John Potter all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born’

14th December Hope The promise of forgiveness Freedom from our plight The old made new With his arrival came light

The greatest gift In the form of a babe Salvation for all By the sacrifice he made

Matthew 1:21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

15th December Change Always alone and with nowhere to turn All this can change if only you’d learn Of Jesus Christ God’s own Son And all of the works of which he has done So change your heart and make it free Now open your eyes and see all that you see © Christopher Froggatt

© Lynn Clayton

Romans 10:9-10 ‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised©him John from Potter the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.’

16th December John 1: 1 – 18 The nights have drawn in, it’s getting dark early, days are dull. But, lots of houses suddenly become brightly lit, beacons of light in their streets, lanes, communities. It is difficult to go anywhere without seeing twinkling brightly coloured lights, adorning houses, trees, shops, lampposts. Lights shining brightly in the darkness. As we reflect on the words at the beginning of John’s Gospel we are reminded that the light does shine out in the darkness, lighting up our way and our streets, homes, communities. That light, which comes from God, is Jesus whose birth we remember at this time of year. As you go around the shops, streets, visit friends, look at the lights. Remember the light of God shines brightly overcoming the darkness in the world and bringing joy. Jesus bringer of light to the dark world brings joy, freedom and hope. Share some of that light this Advent.

Jane Henderson

© John Potter

© Georgina Neale

17th December

© John Filsak

In the Fog A fenland walk on a foggy winter’s day. The endless landscape has shrunk to a bubble. © John Potter Sounds are muffled. The way ahead disappears into the murk. Trees, gates, sheep, buildings emerge out of the fog and disappear into it behind me. I walk on.

As I walk I wonder. Will the Advent Christ come towards me, parting the fog with a burst of glory? Or am I following him to a place I can’t yet see? I walk on. © John Filsak Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”.

18th December Are We Ready? The Christmas goodies are in the shops in early October reminding us that its nearly ‘that time’ again! The time when we buy too much, eat too much, drink too much and generally party too much. We have to be ready on time making several journeys to the shops. In time for the season, the Coca Cola lorries will be journeying across our TV screens and Carol singers will be at the door, after Bonfire night anyway! But is that all that the season of Advent is about? It’s about very much more than Christmas and all that comes with it. It is about our readiness to show Jesus in our lives and in our words and actions as we represent Him in our lives as we go on our journey. We remember the journey taken by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem 2000 odd years ago in a time of occupation by Rome to register in the census so that taxes could be organised. This journey can be remembered as some churches do in ‘Posada’ a Mexican tradition when Mary and Joseph travel around the Parish calling at church members houses in the run up to Christmas time. Originally, children would make this journey but nowadays it is usually the Mary and Joseph from the Nativity set of the church and a short prayer as each household receives them each day. The end of the journey usually happens at the Nativity or Christingle service when they are welcomed back into the church. Are we ready, as Christians to welcome them and the Christ child into our lives this Christmas and in all we do as Christians through the rest of the years we have on earth? Syd Henderson

© John Potter

1 John 4:7 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

19th December Christmas Ads There's Christmas ads on TV, that tug at the heart strings. Lots of images of family fun, and all sorts of wonderful things. There's Christmas lights up in the town, trees and decorations everywhere. But where is there a nativity scene? I can't see one anywhere. There's plenty of Christmas spirit about, wine, liquor and plenty of booze. Buy one get one free offers. Tell me, how can you refuse? There's queues in the supermarket, people buying food for a feast. But what about all those without? Can we share a little....at least? Where is the true spirit of Christmas? The reason that we all celebrate... We're supposed to remember a special baby, not to pile up the food on our plate Remember the food banks this Christmas. Remember the poor and the lost. Remember Christ born in poverty. Remember to give without counting the cost.

© Joy Rice

Share what you have this Christmas. Let's see what good you can achieve. Christmas is a time for sharing and giving, and it's better to give than to receive! © Joy Rice Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

20th December A long way, winding paths, rocky roads, cold nights, uncomfortable transport. Finally, journeys end, tired, hungry, in pain, searching for shelter, a place to stay, food. No room! Not Here! Go away! Tired, frightened, worried. Suddenly, a kind face, a kind word, a place to stay, simple, basic, warm and dry. In the night, pains come, more kind faces, help, and finally, a baby’s cry. A small child in a strange place, far away from family and home. Visitors come, strangers, shepherds bringing gifts, kindness, telling of strange happenings. A baby’s cry. A mother’s smile. A father’s joy. A promise fulfilled. Hope for the future. © Jane Henderson

© John Potter

© Joy Rice

Isaiah 9:3 “You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.”

21st December The Birth God has now spoken his angels did say That his Son would be born on this day Immaculate conception, beautiful light Yet Jesus God’s Son was born on this night Born in a stable in a manger he lay Wise men, shepherds they all came to pray

Pray for this baby so full of light Whom god had instilled all his power and his might All of his wisdom, all of his grace That this God child, might save us This poor human race © Christopher Froggatt

Luke 1:31-34 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.

22nd December

Coming Child Already come Lightbringer

Lightmaker Star-born Star-crafter Way-walker Way art thou

Mary's Son Find me now Today, Lightbringer Light me,

© Jared Maidment (aged 5)

Be Way to me.

© Peter Meek

Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”.

23rd December Luke 1:39-56 Everyone loves a baby. Especially this one. Especially during Advent, when we wait expectantly for the coming of the baby Jesus. But we need to move beyond the baby lying in a smelly manger receiving three useless presents, and think about our world which needs more than a baby gospel about a baby Jesus. If we carefully and prayerfully consider the psalm of praise within this reading in Luke 1, we can see that the major themes revolve around, and reflect, the relationship between God and humankind, a relationship where God is saying that it is good to be human. Maybe God had to become a body in Jesus to help us see that the evil we tend to focus on is the evil we centre in our bodies more than in our minds, hearts and spirits. After all, sins of weakness and addiction are less destructive to us than malice and power. When we spend our time chasing after the things of this world, we cannot chase after the things of God; and if we do not chase after the things of God, we expose ourselves to poor judgement and dull our spiritual understanding. So, as we actively wait for the coming of God’s reign on earth through the birth of a baby, it is our job to work and pray, suffer and support each other, as we do our part in delivering a new world. When we each pray the Lord’s prayer, and ask that ‘your kingdom come, on earth...’ let us add ‘through me’. In this way, Advent is not just these four weeks leading up to Christmas, but lasts our entire lives and is for always. Everyone loves a baby.

© John Potter

24th December

AVE MARIA cum MAGNIFICAT (Luke 1: 39-56) ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’ (Luke 1: 42) My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. (Luke 1: 46-47) A Reflection in the Company of Elizabeth and Mary In the presence of the pregnant Mary her elderly relative Elizabeth feels the sensation of the child leaping within her own womb and becomes the first person to utter an “Ave Maria”: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. She discerns that Mary is blessed and bequeaths to the church, in her “Ave”, an acclamation that has echoed across the centuries in the worship and prayers of the church. Mary’s blessedness has nothing to do with her own achievements; it is not of her own making but as she is with Christ and in Christ. She is Theotokos – God-bearer – and it is that awesome privilege that makes hearts leap with joy. Mary’s own heart and spirit are filled with joy and just as she was destined always to point to the One she bore, she utters her “Magnificat”: she magnifies the Lord … she MAKES BIG the holy One who does great things for her. Pointing away from herself she magnifies the God who turns the world’s values upside-down. And just as Elizabeth’s words have permeated the worship of the faithful so, too, Mary’s song – Magnificat – has been said and sung across the centuries and continents by countless numbers of the faithful. God MADE BIG and blessedness found in God-bearing. Geoffrey Clarke

© John Potter

(Photograph: Madonna and Christ Child, St. Mary’s, Stamford – Geoffrey Clarke)

A Prayer God of the blessed, we magnify you! Our lips hesitate in joining with Elizabeth: “Ave Maria” does not come naturally to those of us whose spiritual heritage has made us cautious to venerate the one who bore the Christ-Child. Yet, today, we will say an “Ave”: Blessed is the ‘Theotokos’! Blessed is she among women, and blessed is the fruit of her womb! Blessed are all and any who are God-bearers – those in whose company we sense God’s presence. Blessed are all and any whose words and ways inspire us. Blessed are all and any whose lives point away from themselves and magnify God and goodness. Our lips join with Mary – Theotokos: “Magnificat” does not always come naturally to those of us who are too easily tempted to focus on what we have done instead of what you can do and are doing through us. Yet, today, we will say a “Magnificat”: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Thanks be to you, our God, for considering us worthy of your favour. Thanks be to you, our God, for every sign of your presence made real © John Potter among the humble and lowly, the hungry and helpless. May the hearts of those whose pride is sustained by power and riches be touched by the One whose priceless mercy is made real in weakness. Grant that we who are Theotokos – bearers of your love – may be sources of blessing to those we encounter and so find joy beyond measure. Amen.

Geoffrey Clarke

© John Potter

Thanks to all who contributed:

Poems and Reflections: Gillian Poucher Joy Rice Shirley Eastman Reg Dean Mark Hodgson Barbara Turner John Cook Alex Harrow Christopher Froggatt Jane Henderson John Filsak Syd Henderson Peter Meek Geoffrey Clarke

Pictures and Photography: Georgina Neale John Potter Lynn Clayton Joy Rice John Filsak Jared Maidment

© John Potter

Produced by

East Midlands Synod 2016