Advent Candle 3

The Third Candle (The Candle of Joy)

Advent candle #3

Heaven’s voice is ringing early

its seasonal chorale

cascading through the well shopped streets

with the waterfall of glory.

And the tills sing out their victory

as the bankrupt bleed

on the battleground of greed.

Yet joy is to be found

in shopping mall and marketplace

when quiet voices

with shepherds’ hearts

respond to heaven’s greater tone.

Keith Wallis

Sunday 18th December

Come and be a RECORD BREAKER with us

 

We've got loads of fliers to deliver, please sign up on Sunday for a road you can deliver to during the week.

Sunday 11th December

A first present to open ?

Advent Candle 2

The Second Candle (The Candle of the Way)

Advent candle #2

The star begins its journey

and eternity spills

upon the lost.

A lesser light beacons

the greater light

and feeble footsteps

find the way

to eternity.

   

Keith Wallis         

Stop press - new book out

Keith has some of his work in this new book published by the Baptist Union.

Bible messages for today

Alongside the Biblefresh initiative in 2011, the Mission Department launched a project for Baptist churches, encouraging Christians to write new psalms and parables for the 21st century. A selection of these have now been compiled into a booklet, which gives a thought-provoking, uplifting, and inspiring snapshot of God’s presence in people’s lives today.

Advent Candle 1

The First Candle (The Candle of Prophecy/Hope)

Advent candle #1

In grey and rainy preparation

clouded days preoccupy.

Trees are mourning their lost finery,

birds flee or prepare for hard times.

Day follows day, treading weary paths,

a joyless melancholic procession,

boughs drip metronomic tears

muddy blankets hide spring’s birthright.

Bones chilled, cheeks besieged by gust and gale,

eyes become refugees daring only to peer

from squinting grimaces.

Beauty hides, bereaved, crest-fallen.

From such dismal obsession the season

promises Light for darkened hearts,

merry dances for weary feet

carolling into heraldic wonder.

Candle one: hope and prophecy

stout sentries guarding hearts from

fear’s incessant onslaught.

A small light in the abyss of darkness

tilting at the windmill of reality,

whistling in the wind.

A multitude of stars hide in nightly clouds

jostling for position to proclaim

the appointed

time

when their light is outshined.

Keith Wallis

Sunday afternoon service 4th December