MAC KIRK

  Galatians 3:23-4:7  1st Sunday After Christmas Day  Adoption is?  ..... " For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship , might become a son of God."  Irenaeus, 2nd century. Adoption means lit in greek to place a son. Galatians 4:3-7  KJV,"  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Here is a story I thought said it well.  God has room for us by adoption, but do we have room...

 Third Sunday in Advent Zeph 3:14-20 Ps 85 Phil 4:4-9 Luke 3:7-20         Philippians 4 Have you been anxious about anything lately? Do you feel peaceful? Or are you being torn apart by things, people and events? What is disturbing your peace? How can you recover your Christian assurance and peace in this life and for the life to come? Is the Christmas hustle and bustle getting you in the fast lane? What I like about the church's observance of Advent is that it is a slowing down and a renewal of our vows, our faith, and our lives should be in harmony with His will and His Spirit instead of ...well you can fill in the blank! Interesting , and I think I may have touched on this issue before, since it is the same Epistle , but the background of Rejoice, the peace of God which passes all understanding, and do not be anxious ( be careful for nothing in the KJV) is a situation in the church at Philippi. We can see it in 4:2 where Paul says, " I beseech Euodias,...

  Luke 1:26-56; Isaiah 55.  Advent II ( Readings are from 1928 Book of Common Prayer- Morning Prayer )  Mary and Elizabeth   C. S. Lewis said, "  There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." Mary and the Angels Luke 1:26-38 What a Gospel for today! It is full of great news and Divine Announcements and the appearance of the Angel Gabriel. To all who are struggling with the life here in so many ways we are all surrounded by such love and mystery that it is overwhelming wonderful! It saddens me at some level, but gives me hope that people who normally do not have any spiritual interest at most times of the year, come to this account in Luke with angels and have interest and wonder. First, What is this " Gabriel"? A man in Daniel who comes to Daniel touching him, perhaps flying to assure him that God would give him understanding. Daniel 9:21 The Angel Gabriel, lit. Geber el = man of God. He is called an angel in Luke 1. This is angelos in Greek....