24 December 23 Advent 4B (COCU 4B)

A HOUSE FOR GOD?
(2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16)
David sought to build
a permanent house for God
in Jerusalem.

God promised to make
David’s name, house, kingdom, throne
to last forever.

We have gone too far –
even modest ‘God boxes’
are now a burden.

Maintenance demands
overshadow our worship
and communal life.

Can Advent help us
reflect, recognise, reshape
our life as the church?
    Jeff Shrowder, 2023
 
More for Advent 4B
…and Christmas Eve 5B

And for 25 December 23 – Christmas Day (COCU 5B)
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Sand, surf and sunburn,
family get-togethers
and overpriced gifts.

Boxing Day sales,
a cricket match and yacht race,
and far too much food.

Summer’s longest days,
when we over-celebrate
the light of the world.

But some remember
grieving, war-torn families,
refugees, oppressed.

And some celebrate
one born who showed how to be
the light of the world.
Jeff Shrowder, 2023

…and Christmas Day 5B