Praising God in Devon

Dearest friends, In the second week of Advent we light our second candle… the Bethlehem Candle. In lighting it we pray that we may join Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem.  Our journey this week is about preparation.  Mary and Joseph were preparing for the birth of their son. I imagine they were like any parents… planning and dreaming about their future as a family. Worrying if they’ve got everything ready.  I can picture them sat with family…

Dearest friends, This Sunday we will light the first candle of five on our Advent Wreath, but why do we do this? Whilst lighting candles to represent the light of God in the world is a very old Christian tradition, the idea of an Advent Candle Wreath is a relatively modern one.  In fact it only goes back to the early 1800s and – no big surprise here – comes from Germany (as indeed most of our modern Christmas traditions).…

Dearest friends, I write this from the clergy conference in Walsingham with the Bishop of Oswestry and my brother deacons and Priests. It has been a week of ‘hope’. It’s been encouraging to see so many parishes that are flourishing and growing, and speak to so many Priests who see so much to be thankful about. I am thankful for you. I am thankful for the energy and enthusiasm, for the love you show me and my family, and for…