I’m writing these few words on the famous 14 February, the annual day of celebration of love and romance.  You may be aware that ‘St. Valentine’ was reputed to be a ‘priest’ from Rome in the third century.  At that time the Emperor had banned marriage because he thought that married men made bad soldiers.  Valentine disagreed, so he arranged marriages in…

Social media companies, such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, are again in the spotlight, particularly following the tragic suicide of teenager Molly Russell which has been linked to her accessing self-harm images on Instagram.  Should such companies be allowed to continue to govern themselves or should the Government introduce new legislation seeking to control them? Whilst I may not be the greatest…

I’m continuing again this year to follow Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s reading plan through the Bible accompanied by Don Carson’s helpful comments on particular passages.  Current readings include going through the book of Esther and I hope it will be helpful to summarise some of Carson’s observations on chapter 7.  He writes that, at that stage, how easy everything seems from our vantage…

We sing about and celebrate God’s amazing grace here at CCBC and frequently remind ourselves that grace may be ‘spelt’ Great Riches (or Redemption) At Christ’s Expense. I expect many are enjoying the BBC’s current dramatisation of Les Misérables, perhaps one of the finest books ever written (and by a Frenchman!).  The story centres on the great contrast between legalism and grace. …

Amidst all the current political uncertainty over Brexit reference has often been made to particular ‘red lines’ which one side or the other (or different sub-sides within either side) are not prepared to cross (well, until perhaps … ).  With regard to red lines I came across the following ‘creed’ that was given to a person on the day that they became…

We welcome Tobi Stathers as our preacher this morning who, together with David, will be telling us about the work of Compassion.  This Christian organisation has recently relocated its headquarters to Ancells Park and, in a wonderful way, facilitates the sponsorship of children in the third world, working exclusively in partnership with local churches.  I’m looking forward to a great morning! After…

Today is the traditional Feast of Epiphany celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.  (It is also the date by which all Christmas decorations should be taken down – I’ll be coming round to check!). Everyone will readily recall the three gifts presented by the Magi to Jesus – gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2v11 clearly states that these…

Three weeks ago I wrote about Advent Qualities and referred to the tins / plastic tubs of Quality Street piled high for sale at this time of year.  But what about the tins / tubs of Celebrations I hear you cry?  You can’t have enough chocolate for Christmas can you – and, in any event, as some say, “the trouble with Christmas…

According to a recent survey, nearly one in five people (19%) rarely bother to read the manual after unwrapping a new gadget at Christmas.  I am actually surprised that this percentage is so low, although this survey was commissioned by the Civil Aviation Authority and seems particularly to focus on those receiving drones as a present (something yet to be experienced by…

Is Advent just the ‘pre-Christmas period’, far too busy and noisy?  Or is it a real opportunity to reflect on the stupendous miracle of the incarnation and the glorious fact that “when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”…