Perhaps we simply don’t realise the profound value of others in our stories?  Those that co-author our own stories.  My life story has taught me to “fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.”  It’s a good time to quietly reflect on our co-authors of life.  They are indeed part of the fabric of life.  They can be perfecters of life.

There is a place of peace on earth.  No matter how chaotic our world might be, there is a place of tranquillity and joy.  My prayer this Christmas is you will find it.

Isaiah was describing the ancient equivalent of the modern day Australian lost amid a multitude of signs.  Lost and confused… and suffering consequences.  Even with Google Maps, often a really good, clear sign is very useful.  Perhaps King Ahaz didn’t get it either?  The author added, “Okay then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Wisdom is to know that the potter doesn’t see ‘useless’ or ‘something to be discarded’.  It is to realise that no matter how broken we feel, or how useless we seem, our future is not destruction but splendour.  We are the clay.  God is the potter.  We are all the work of his hands.  His purpose for each of us is to shape beauty out of brokenness.

Shortcuts are handy, but always navigating the world using them means we risk missing spectacular scenery and exquisite experiences found by taking the road less travelled.  Often the unexpected or unexplored destinations are the most peaceful and memorable.

Moses did say he would pray to a God that Pharoah didn’t believe in.  Just the same, if you had an absolutely overwhelming, seemingly impossible problem to solve, would you wait until some time in future?  Or might you take the chance and ask someone to pray for you today?

Could it be that Jesus has a remarkable CV of not breaking things, but putting them back together?

Cooking and life are similar.  They both need love.  Is there a recipe for life? 

Even if it’s just for a few moments a day, everyone needs a safe space.  Everyone needs to be loved.

Like someone flicked on a light in the midst of a bad dream I didn’t know I was in, I am startled again.  In God’s story every story is important.  Mine.  Yours.  Every single one.

So, you awaken in the morning.  You gently rub the sleep from your eyes and enjoy a long wriggle and stretch.  Yep.  And a cup of coffee.  What do you expect today?  Kindness?

From his ancient writings we learn that all creation longs for the revelation of his children and the ‘birthing’ of a time when all creation is at peace.  How might this be possible?  By the revelation of his Spirit that embraces it all together.  Not superior.  Not lesser.  But deeply connected.

That’s what I want to say about Jesus.  He’s not cranky about any mess ups.  He doesn’t expect us to clean up our act before we come in

Hundreds of years of capitalism have elevated money and belongings to a god status.  We rely on money for security and peace. Think about that.  Is that working for you right now?

Most religious philosophies have their eyes fixed upon some kind of heaven as the destination.  Such a pity if God himself is eager to be revealed today through unexpected and unimaginable encounters: in his creation, with other peoples’ stories, or even in the spiritual realm.