BH Bulletin - Thursday 10 December 2020

Thought for the Day by Matt Jones
​(Associate Minister for Music)

PART 4
We are continuing in our series running up to Christmas when I give a thought for the day focussing on lyrics from some of our most beloved Christmas Carols.
 
Last time we looked at Silent Night, learning about how on a not-so-silent night the glorious good news message of Christ the Lord, the Saviour being born!  (see 01/12 if you missed it).
 
Today we are looking at a verse from It came upon a midnight clear:
 
For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
 
There are other carols that probably deal with the theme of Christ’s return, but I wanted to choose a carol some of us might be less familiar with. Again, go and have a listen (and a singalong!) to it.
 
You may think it unusual that I am talking about the return of Christ, what we would call His ‘second advent’, when this season is all about His first advent. Christ’s birth is of upmost importance, praise God that He took on human flesh and dwelt among us. And yet as the prophets of old as mentioned in the carol above were longing for God’s appearing, we too are eagerly waiting and anticipating Christ’s second coming! If it was good news that He came, shouldn’t it be excellent news that He is coming back?! 
 
Pause for reflection on Titus 2:11-14 (particularly vs 11 and 13)
 
We long for the return of Christ the King, the Prince of Peace. Particularly on the back of this year, where we have seen so many things ‘go wrong’, its reminds us that our current existence isn’t what it is meant to be; things are not ok right now. We need our king to return!
 
So as you reflect this Christmas, as you sing carols, as you enjoy time with family…we rejoice for Christ’s first coming….and we long for His second coming.
 
Have a blessed Christmas.

Matt

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Faith in Kids - Christmas Bake Along

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This Saturday (12th) there is a special event happening on Youtube for all the family. Faith in Kids are hosting a special Christmas Bake Along. Martha Collison (The Youngest Bake Off Contestant Ever) will be guiding us through how to make Gingerbread Men with Ed Drew helping and explaining to all ages the reason for the season.
 
The event premiers at 14:00, but will be available on YouTube afterwards.  All the details you need (including ingredients list) can be found here: https://faithinkids.org/christmas-bake-along
 
And to whet your appetite below is a trailer. It will a great video for all ages to watch with or without children!
 
Ben
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HEXC0PsvGU

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The Mayor's big Christmas Quiz

​Christmas trivia and Festive fun for good causes
 
As so many events that charities ordinarily rely upon have had to be cancelled this year, Brighton & Hove Mayor, Councillor Alan Robins, has agreed to be part of a second online quiz after the success of the first one on October 28th.
 
This one looks set to be bigger, better and is already ballooning in popularity. In other words, a real cracker! On the 16th December at 7pm the Mayor’s Big Christmas Quiz takes place online with tickets available at just £5 (+ fee) on Eventbrite.
 
The Charities: Leo House, Together Co, Off The Fence, Brighton Fringe,
The Sussex Heart Charity
 
This time around, given the time of year and the fact that many companies won’t be having their traditional office parties, this is an opportunity to create a team (liaising via What’s App) and to keep the banter going with mince pies and sherry at home. The Quiz will be hosted by Off The Fence Trust’s Head of Income Generation and Comms, Roy Stannard who enjoys the constant trickle of comments and jokes that run down the page in Chat on the hosting platform, YouTube. 
“It’s a good cause and a good excuse to have a bit of fun pre-Christmas with your friends and work mates. And if your local councillor is taking part you can challenge them online!”
 
After registering for the event on Eventbrite you will be sent an email with the link to the live stream to be used on the night. 
There will be a tie-breaker at the end of the quiz, when one participant or team will win a very special prize.
 
So fill up your advent calendar and have some fun at the same time – all for a good cause.
  
Book via Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/y4o3zuav
  
IF you can’t make the evening, there is the opportunity to donate anyway via The Mayor’s Just Giving page:   https://justgiving.com/campaign/bmc2020

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