Open Advent Window 21 - It was on a Starry Night - 167th Bristol Westbury Baptist Scout Group

A King for all Creation

Reflection by Mike Peat

As I waited nervously to discover whether or not Bristol would move to a lower tier of coronavirus restrictions last week, I suddenly realised how much I had become preoccupied with the way this disease affects me, my circle of family and friends, and the country I live in.

Even though I actually know that Coronavirus is a global pandemic, I had slipped into picturing it as a more local problem. I need the news reports I get from television, radio and newspapers to nudge me into remembering that, in truth, millions of people in many countries are having to deal with the anxiety, travel restrictions and limited contact with other people which are needed as we work together to control this disease.

When the Gospel writer called Matthew tells the story (Matthew 2:1-12)of wise men from an Eastern land following a star to find Jesus, he too is nudging us towards realising that the birth of this ‘King of the Jews’ is not just a local event, but something that makes a difference for the whole world. Only in this case, the difference isn’t something that limits our lives. It sets us free to live life to the full, loving God and all that God has created, as we were made to do.

My weekend newspaper informs me that, like many hotels in England, hotels in modern-day Bethlehem are struggling to keep going because tourists cannot visit them at the moment. My bible helps me understand that Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem makes a difference for people in countries elsewhere, because Matthew describes exotic travellers from a faraway land making the journey from their own country to worship Jesus there. What is more, a star in the sky is moving to show them the way: nature itself is affected by this amazing birth!

How does Matthew’s message, that Jesus’ birth makes a difference for all God’s creatures, affect the way you think about the world we live in?

We are currently witnessing a Great Conjuction of Jupiter and Saturn. This is the closest that we have seen the planets since 1623! Today, December 21st is the day when they will be closest together. Look to the southwestern horizon just after sunset. Find out more.

What could God say to you through the meeting of these two great planets?

A Cub looks at the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

Remember the Letter of the Day

Each Advent Day we reveal one letter. When you visit the Window, somewhere around Westbury-n-Trym, you will see that the QR code poster has a letter. Collect all 24 letters and rearrange them in to a four letter phrase. If you submit the phrase here, you will enter a prize draw. Submissions close on Sunday 10th January 2021.

Here is a clue to get you started: