Advent/Christmas Reflections: updated

Collect for Christmas Eve:

Almighty God, You make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, so may we with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Reflections and articles, most recent posts at the top:

At Christmas, a time of heightened danger for many Christians, we stand prayerfully with our persecuted family, from Barnabas Fund

Herald-angels, other spiritual beings, and the church, by Andrew Symes, Anglican Mainstream

Millions of people will visit church this Christmas. Here’s 3 ways we can make the most of it. By Michael Harvey, Premier Christianity

Bethlehemian Rhapsody: Video from Muddiford Junior Church group, North Devon

Bible College reinvents ‘incorrect’ Christmas Carols (with video), by Alex Williams, Premier

God’s intervention, by Andrew Symes, Anglican Mainstream

Is Luke 21.25-36 about the Second Coming? by Ian Paul, Psephizo

Mark’s Gospel: Driving home for Christmas by Andrew Ollerton, Christian Today

My menorah – a little light in a world of darkness by Karen Harradine, The Conservative Woman

Advent Sunday: people don’t know Jesus, and that’s our fault by Archbishop Cranmer

At Christmas, don’t forget Christ by Ffion Shiner, The Conservative Woman

The great contradiction of Advent by Hannah Rich, Theos

Seasonal prayers and readings for Advent from the Church of England

See also our Advent Meditations posted daily on the front page of the site.