Dear Friends
This week between Christmas and New Year has a strange feeling for many—the Christmas celebration seems long gone but life has not returned to its usual pattern. Even for those at work, the usual hustle is somehow absent—for others working in retail, perhaps, it is more intense.
And we have time to reflect, to ponder, to think. If we can put down our phones, turn off our computers, smart speakers, TVs and radios, now is a time to turn again to contemplate what is needful in our lives. How much of our lives are focused on what is transitory, what is uncertain, what is fleeting? The latest gadget, a new phone, a nicer car, new clothes, all within a few years—perhaps much sooner!—will no longer be our priorities: we will be out there looking for our new “fix,” our new “hit,” our new release of dopamine.
We have time to reflect, to ponder, to think. What is needful in my life is God, because only in him do I move beyond what is transitory and can place my energies in what is eternal. And to do this is hard, I need to set aside my own ego and look to serve others—not as a way to puff up myself but rather I care about others because the infinite God cares about me.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, reflect, ponder and think. Place your energies, your resources, your love in what is eternal and God will receive your gifts and honour you as heirs of eternal Life.
We serve a meal following the Liturgy on Sundays. All are welcome.
I wish you, your family and your friends a joyful celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Christ is born!
Glorify him!
Do you, or someone you know, want to join our mailing list and receive our weekly email? Then let me know.
Sermon
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.
Christ is born! Glorify him!
Well might Herod be troubled at the news of the birth of the King of the Jews, for all Jerusalem knew him to be an Edomite, of the sons of Esau, and not a son of Israel through Judah. The last Jewish king he had had executed decades earlier and had taken the crown for himself with the help and support of the Senate in Rome. And the wise men from the East come to him beseeching, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” “Where is he,” say they, “who will remove you and your line from your place of honour?” And he panics, and he is alarmed: “How can I remove this accusation against me?” he asks himself and he concocts a plan.
I too, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, receive visitors from the East, wise men seeking out the King. They come to me asking, “Where is your King? Where is God?” And they do not find him within me: despite the words of the Apostle to me, “For you are the temple of the living God,” (2 Corinthians 6:16) I have not made even a manger in my heart for the Lord to be placed. And I panic, and I am alarmed: “How can I remove this accusation against me?” I ask myself and I concoct a plan.
…
Read last Sunday’s Sermon, Where is your King? Where is God?
Archive of Past Sermons.
Services this week
Friday 30th December
Discussion on the Book of Numbers, 8 pm
Online only
Saturday 31st December
Vespers, 6.30 pm
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Sunday 1st January
Divine Liturgy, 9.30 am
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Online session is via Google Meet: please get in contact for the details.
Please join us: all are welcome, come and see.
Attending Church
We will be meeting at St Francis’ Hall, Nightingale Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 9JA. Come and See.
Can I help you?
I am here for you, you need only ask. Is there a way I can support your life of faith? Get in touch.
Can you help the community?
Yes, absolutely. Offer yourselves to the Lord: pray! Make available to him all your talents and ask him how he would like you to use them — listen for his reply.
Your prayers!
With love in Christ
Fr Alexander
[email protected]