Friday 6 December 2024

Today is Friday the 6th of December in the 1st week of Advent. Jonathan Ogden, Molly Parden and The Porter’s Gate sing ‘He Comes’. How does Jesus come to you in this season of Advent? He comes, the Lord's anointed One And we shall see His face As clear as if the rising sun Poured out the light of grace He comes, and we shall hear His voice Not as some distant sound But tones that make the heart rejoice When love, long lost, is found He comes, not to the wise and great But to the bound and poor So low Himself that potentates Must kneel to pass His door He comes, with favour in his hands Our empty souls to fill To make a highway through the sands And bid the storms be still He comes, and we shall come to him Set free from ancient chains Adorned in mercy's diadem To glory in His reign He comes, the Lord, as one of us He comes to judge the earth How wonderful, how glorious His long awaited birth Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 9:27-31 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. Today's reading is a story of healing. The two blind men with deep faith cry out to Jesus, who hears them and responds. Take a moment to imagine the scene. We too can experience the merciful regard of Jesus upon our life as it is – including our challenges, struggles and difficulties. Take a moment to lift up all you are finding difficult in your life right now. ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ Jesus asks the blind men. They reply 'Yes, Lord'. The faith of those seeking sight is a key part of the encounter with Jesus. As you listen to the passage again, notice the role that the blind men play in the healing. As this time of prayer comes to an end, speak to Jesus about whatever is on your mind. Perhaps you may be inspired by something of the deep faith of these two blind men and their conviction that Jesus responds to our calls for help. O Wisdom, Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.