Day 1

Day 1

Psalm 8 

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 


The Invitation of Advent

Welcome to the start of our online Advent Calendar as we journey towards Christmas.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they lay down for the night, and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and said, “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” 

Watson replied, “I see millions and millions of stars.” 

“What does that tell you?” 

Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that there  are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I  deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Why, what does it tell you?” 

Holmes replied, “It tells me that someone has stolen our tent.” 

Sometimes things become so familiar that we fail to notice the obvious.  The invitation of Advent is to notice again the extraordinary wonder and power of the familiar Christmas story- of God coming to be with us in majestic vulnerability.  And in a world where we can sometimes feel deeply insignificant, to be reminded that we are loved beyond measure and that there is hope, and that hope’s name is Jesus. 

Richard

  • Church of England.
  • Diocese of York.