On the final podcast of Advent, we again look back, and with John we look back to a time of beginnings in order to understand the present and the future. Echoing the words of Genesis, John declare that the Word has become flesh. But what does this mean? And what does it tell us about who Jesus is and how we should live? As we reflect on Advent, we are asked to stop, to reflect, and to give our hearts and lives to the Light of the World - the Word who became flesh. What will be our response this Christmas?

Music:

Ikson - Last Summer
Dexter Britain - After Christmas

Learned men travel hundreds of miles across the desert to greet the Promised One, chasing a prophecy that had been passed down through generations. They are Gentiles, and another sign that the promise to Abraham was about to be fulfilled. Their gifts also speak great truths, revealing who this child is and who He will be, forecasting a time when the curtain between God and humanity that had fallen at Eden, would be utterly torn in two. Their visit also reminds us of the truth that following God will not lead to easy paths, but we will never be alone, and will walk the paths that lead us home. After the visit of these learned men, Mary and Joseph fled death, carrying the Saviour. As we walk the roads of sunny green pastures and dark valleys of the very shadow of death, the Saviour offers to carry us.

Music:

Ikson - Last Summer
Dexter Britain - Seeing the Future

A night like any other in the fields around Bethlehem. Shepherds, watching their flocks by night, shivering in the cold, gathering around a campfire to keep warm. The long hours trickled slowly by as their breath clouded around them. This dark night was no different to any before it. Until the darkness was cracked in two. Why was this message brought to lowly shepherds? These lowly shepherds were given a glimpse of a deep truth: they were loved despite the fact they were a mere breath in the winds of time – gone like dew evaporating in the rising sun. Despite their fragility, they were loved absolutely. In love, their Creator sent angels to them, to invite them to come and see the event on which history would pivot. How did the shepherds respond to this message? In the only way they could. What will be our answer?

Music:

Ikson - Last Summer
Gustav Holst - In The Bleak Midwinter