General Chat

Hello all

Well said Emma I also thank Cynthia for her ongoing posts each day.

I hope you haven't been too sad today David.

Wishing all who look in a very Healthy and Happy 2020.

I have a funeral service to go to next week..... not the best start to the New Year.

Cynthia, I echo Emma's thanks. This is usually the first thread I look at in the mornings.

I expect you have been thinking of your mother today David. I hope you have many happy memories.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful year in 2020 <3

Good morning to you all :-D <3

Wishing you all well, not only a new year but my late Mother's birthday <3

Good morning :-)

Thank you Emma that is much appreciated. <3


So, here we are in 2020 - it's very easy to type! :-D

From Follow the star...

God is doing something new. God has sent his Son to bring hope and light and life to a world where his people are oppressed and kept down. The wise men sense this exciting “newness” and want to be part of it. They follow the lead of the star, wherever it takes them, because they have committed themselves to finding the new king. They have a hope that leads them on, and they show perseverance when the journey takes time and effort.

At this time of year, we also experience this sense of hope and “newness”. Unfortunately, research suggests that less than a quarter of us who make New Year’s resolutions will actually keep them. While there’s something attractive about taking new directions in life, it takes courage to stick to the course.

Father God, lead us towards the new things you want in our lives. Help us to keep going when the way gets hard. Amen.


A very Happy and Peaceful New Year to you all. <3 <3 <3

Cx :-)

Cynthia thank you for the time you have given
to this thread.
For starting my day with your stories and prayers
when I know you have been busy in your own life.

I know I speak for those who look in and add to this thread
that we appreciate everything you have done to keep this
thread going.

I wish you and yours a Happy New Year and to all who look in. <3

Good morning, for the last time this year! :-D


From Follow the star

Even now, no one knows for sure what the Star of Bethlehem actually was. Some say it was a comet. Some say it was the light that comes from a new star being born. Whatever the truth is, we do know that there was something out of the ordinary about what the wise men saw. Just like this special star, God has made each one of us uniquely and wonderfully.

We are one of a kind too. God knows us fully and, like the star, has given us our own distinctive shining qualities to help to make the world around us a brighter place: compassion, love, an infectious sense of joy, peace, patience, kindness, loyalty, a quest for fairness.

What are your shining qualities? What brightness do you bring and how will you shine today?

Lord Jesus, help me to use what you have given me to make the world a brighter place today. Amen.

If you are celebrating this evening, stay safe and enjoy your night......and thank you all for your continuing support this year. <3 <3 <3

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Saul's conversion - leading St. Paul is an amazing story isn't it David?

Awful news about the fires in Australia - we pray for all those who are caught up in the disaster and for the emergency services who are trying to help.

From Follow the star

'Everyone’s definition of beauty is different. Artists paint it. Musicians compose music that somehow captures it. Hearts and emotions respond to it. For some it is about what we see on the outside. For others it is about an experience that brings joy.

Whatever beauty is, it is captivating, and the wise men cannot resist the natural beauty they see in the night sky. They are drawn to the star, the work of God’s hand, and they have to follow. They have to find out more. The outward beauty and mystery of the star is about to lead them to the most beautiful gift they could ever imagine: a child who will light up the whole world.'

Actually, we do not know how many Wise Men (magi) there were. The word magi is plural, so there must have been at least two. However, there could have been many more. The legend that there were three, and that we know their names, is just a legend. The idea of three wise men may have developed, because there were three types of gifts presented by the wise men to Jesus.

God of beauty, thank you for all that you have created. Help us to celebrate the special things we see today. Amen.


Cx :-)

Thank you for that Cynthia :-D <3. Yes, I was aware of that one, what a conversion.

The Rosary and its Hail Marys is quoting the angels speaking to Mary in Luke.

Mary, daughter of Joachin and Anne was herself born of a miracle. Her Father was

sterile.He and his wife prayed for a miracle. The result was Mary. Her parents gave

her to the Temple as they had promised. So the Rosary prays to Mary, born of a

miracle who gave birth to Jesus, another miracle.Mary had sons through a second

marriage, who were the brothers of Jesus.

Good morning :-)

We have now reached the last Sunday of 2019 - how quickly they all came round! :-0


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us
through your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share in our humanity,
so we may share the life of his divinity;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel reading tells of the story of the Flight into Egypt and the killing of the young male children.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-D

Good to know I have caused some laughter and made people smile - it was a good one wasn't it? :-D

David, check out Acts 26 12-18 - one of the most famous stories in the bible.


So we continue to Follow the star...

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people had been living under the control of the Romans. They needed to believe that one day things would be different, that hope was on its way.

A star, shining brightly in the sky, points towards a baby who is born to be light in the darkness. This baby is going to bring a new day to end the night of fear and worry and oppression. The darkness of war and struggle and pain is about to be consumed by dawning light. God has not forgotten his people. Light and life is breaking through.

Thank you, God, that with you there is always hope. Bring your light to the dark situations we face in our world. Amen.


Today is also known as Holy Innocents Day :

"When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi." Matthew 2:16
This version of a very popular carol fits in with this day.....and yes, I bet you end up singing it through...... :-)


O Little Town of Bethlehem
words by Don Hinchey – Amos Trust.


O little town of Bethlehem
how still we see thee lie
above thy deep and restless sleep
a missile glideth by
and over dark streets soundeth
the mortar's deadly roar
while children weep in shallow sleep
for friends who are no more.

How silently, how silently
their hope has gone away
no laughter rings no choir sings
in shepherd’s fields this day.
The angels in the heavens
are hushed in sad lament
back in exie the Holy Child
finds Herod won't relent.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem
descend to us we pray.
your love bring down on David's town
drive fear and hate away.
Awake the ire of nations
let justice be restored
rebuild the peace in silent streets
where once your love was born.


Cx :-)

I'm with Rose on this one Cynthia and my OH
and myself also had a laugh out loud moment <3

Cynthia I am not even going to try and get all the answers, but do thank you for a laugh out loud moment :-D

9. What is a heavenly host?

B. The angel who serves refreshments in heaven

:-D :-D :-D

My very best wishes to you and everyone on this thread, for a healthy and happy New Year. xx

Good morning Cynthia and other forum users :-D <3

A large part of the NT was written by Paul, formerly Saul, a Roman Jew.

Had Paul ever met Jesus ? He risked the remainder of his life teaching what he knew.

Good morning :-)

‘Follow the Star’ is a C of E initiative which takes a look at Advent and the 12 days of Christmas - the journey of the Wise Men, taking us to Epiphany on 6th January. We will journey with them.

‘There’s no doubt that the universe is an amazing place. There are trillions of stars out there and each on is a small miracle of gas and gravity. Looking at the stars in the night sky tells a story that started millions of years ago. Only now do we see the light that started its journey back before most of our ancestors were born. Every star is incredible, and yet the wise men, looking up, had to wonder what they were seeing. These men who studied the skies and who knew the stars inside out could still be amazed. In the midst of God’s spectacular creation, something unusual called to them and they opened their minds to look in awe.’

The actual journey of these wise men could easily have taken a long time. It would appear from Matthew 2:7 that the star, which the wise men had seen, had appeared at the moment of Jesus’ birth. But the wise men had arrived after the birth. If they saw the star at the moment of Jesus’ birth, then it would have taken at least a few months for the wise men to arrive.

Anyone fancy a quiz? Answers tomorrow...….. :-D :-D


1. Joseph was originally from... (Luke 2:3)
A. Bethlehem
B. Nazareth
C. Hebron
D. Jerusalem
E. None of the above

2. What does the Bible say that the innkeeper said to Mary and Joseph? (Luke 2:7)
A. “There is no room in the inn.”
B. “I have a stable you can use.”
C. “Come back later and I should have some vacancies.”
D. Both A and B
E. None of the above

3. A manger is a...
A. Stable for domestic animals
B. Wooden hay storage bin
C. Feeding trough
D. Barn

4. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus’ birth?
A. Cows, sheep, goats
B. Cows, donkeys, goats
C. Sheep and goats only
D. Miscellaneous barnyard animals
E. None of the above

5. Who saw the star in the east?
A. Shepherds
B. Mary and Joseph
C. Three kings
D. Both A and C
E. None of the above

6. According to the Bible, how did Mary and Joseph get to Bethlehem?
A. Camel
B. Donkey
C. Walked
D. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey
E. Horse-drawn chariot
F. Who knows?

7. How many angels spoke to the shepherds? (Luke 2:10)
A. One
B. Three
C. Multitude
D. None of the above

8. What did the angels say/sing? (Luke 2:14)
A. “Glory to God in the highest, etc.”
B. “Alleluia”
C. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given”
D. “Joy the world, the Lord is come”
E. “Glory to the newborn King”

9. What is a heavenly host?
A. The angel at the gate of heaven
B. The angel who serves refreshments in heaven
C. An angel choir
D. An angel army
E. None of the above

10. There was snow that first Christmas...
A. Only in Bethlehem
B. All over Israel
C. Nowhere in Israel
D. Somewhere in Israel


:-D :-D :-D :-D


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I hope everyone had a good and peaceful day yesterday..... <3


Today is Boxing Day which has several traditions attached to it. It was a day when employers gave their servants a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses and leftover food. It was also a time for churches to open their poor boxes to give the money to those in need.

It is also St. Stephen’s Day – the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death for his belief and faith in Christ.

On this bank holiday, we remember those who care for the poor and needy, especially foodbanks, and for those who are persecuted for their faith.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

A very Happy and Blessed Christmas to you all. <3


Cx :-)

Cynthia <3 Last door sums it up for me thank you.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope tomorrow brings
you all much happiness. <3

My thoughts and prayers for those in difficult circumstances,
peace and good fortune x

Good morning :-)

Yes indeed.....Christmas Eve already - how quickly the time has passed. I am so glad that people have appreciated the Advent calendar - a new venture but worthwhile I think. <3

And so to the last door...…..

https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=f72f8b2226aa3d9054c76612b1abec53

Cx :-)

Wishing everyone seasonal greetings :-D <3

Hello all

Thanks to Cynthia for the special Advent Calendar, which has been a blessing to open each morning. Many thanks also for the daily postings and cyber support from all xx

I am with our family and I am one of the lucky ones to be surrounded by much love.

Sending Happy and Peaceful Christmas Wishes to all who pop into this thread today.