Susanne Timpani's Blog, page 5
December 15, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 3 Day 19
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
“At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him”. (Luke 2:13-14)
“Angels Announcing Birth of Jesus”1922The Lord is worthy of praise. There is a difference between worship and praise. Worship is because of who God is, praise is for what he does.
The angels' message wasn't just for the shepherds. In this short passage from Luke, the shepherds have just had the birth of Jesus announced to them. Though simple men, they recognize the importance of what they have just heard. The context of the message makes it clear that it is not just for the shepherds, but rather for everyone, that Jesus has been born.
All creation is invited to respond to what has occurred, from the lowliest shepherd to the highest angel.
My heart sings with joy. The Bible doesn’t specify exactly how the shepherds felt when surrounded by all this. When I imagine myself in their shoes, the phrase ‘my heart sings’ comes to mind. I feel a deep internal drawing to praise the Lord. I can’t help but raise my voice and my arms is gratitude.
In this season of gift-giving, ponder God's greatest gift to us. In a season where we celebrate by spending money and buying gifts for our family and friends, often without even thinking of God, or the ‘reason for the season’, I invite you to give some thought today to pondering what the Lord has done for you. I bet you can’t help but praise Him.
“At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him”. (Luke 2:13-14)
“Angels Announcing Birth of Jesus”1922The Lord is worthy of praise. There is a difference between worship and praise. Worship is because of who God is, praise is for what he does.The angels' message wasn't just for the shepherds. In this short passage from Luke, the shepherds have just had the birth of Jesus announced to them. Though simple men, they recognize the importance of what they have just heard. The context of the message makes it clear that it is not just for the shepherds, but rather for everyone, that Jesus has been born.
All creation is invited to respond to what has occurred, from the lowliest shepherd to the highest angel.
My heart sings with joy. The Bible doesn’t specify exactly how the shepherds felt when surrounded by all this. When I imagine myself in their shoes, the phrase ‘my heart sings’ comes to mind. I feel a deep internal drawing to praise the Lord. I can’t help but raise my voice and my arms is gratitude.
In this season of gift-giving, ponder God's greatest gift to us. In a season where we celebrate by spending money and buying gifts for our family and friends, often without even thinking of God, or the ‘reason for the season’, I invite you to give some thought today to pondering what the Lord has done for you. I bet you can’t help but praise Him.
December 14, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 3 Day 18
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."(Luke 2:10-11)
We love to hear good news, don't we?
This is especially the case if we are waiting for a particular event or contact with a special person. The good news being brought by the Angels was news that the Jews had been waiting to hear for thousands of years – the Messiah is finally here!
The King of David's line; the Great Shepherd who will gather and unite His flock Israel; The One who will save the people from their enemies and set them free.
What joy! Freedom! Hope! Victory!
Jesus brought all these things, but not as the Jews expected.
Jesus did not come to win a military victory and re-establish Israel as a powerful nation as they expected.
Jesus brought God’s Kingdom of love and a way of discipleship, which he modelled.
He made it possible for us to live in God’s Kingdom here and now. This is good news for us – a source of great joy.
As we move through advent, let us take into our hearts this good news and prepare with anticipation for the coming of our Saviour in a new and deeper way this Christmas.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."(Luke 2:10-11)
We love to hear good news, don't we?
This is especially the case if we are waiting for a particular event or contact with a special person. The good news being brought by the Angels was news that the Jews had been waiting to hear for thousands of years – the Messiah is finally here!
The King of David's line; the Great Shepherd who will gather and unite His flock Israel; The One who will save the people from their enemies and set them free.
What joy! Freedom! Hope! Victory!
Jesus brought all these things, but not as the Jews expected.
Jesus did not come to win a military victory and re-establish Israel as a powerful nation as they expected.
Jesus brought God’s Kingdom of love and a way of discipleship, which he modelled.
He made it possible for us to live in God’s Kingdom here and now. This is good news for us – a source of great joy.
As we move through advent, let us take into our hearts this good news and prepare with anticipation for the coming of our Saviour in a new and deeper way this Christmas.
December 13, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 3 Day 17
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (Luke 2:8-9)
St Michael's church, Framlingham, Suffolk
circa 1914
An experienced shepherd would have been well aware of the out of the ordinary things which might happen as they kept watch over their flock at night. They would be on their guard so that wolves or other predators could not attack, and so that none of their sheep went astray.
So when the angel of the Lord appeared that night, they were understandably out of their comfort zone. This was clearly not a usual occurrence in the life of a shepherd.
Often in our lives we are faced with the unexpected, things happen that don’t quite fit our plan or definition of the way life should be. We, like the shepherds may be terrified, unsure how to make sense of what has surprised us so suddenly and unexpectedly.
Yet we know that as the story progresses, the lives of the shepherds are transformed. the same can be true for us: God invites us to be open to being surprised and to step outside our comfort zones so that we might be drawn closer to Him.
Lord, we pray that you would help us recognise and be open to the unexpected.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (Luke 2:8-9)
St Michael's church, Framlingham, Suffolkcirca 1914
An experienced shepherd would have been well aware of the out of the ordinary things which might happen as they kept watch over their flock at night. They would be on their guard so that wolves or other predators could not attack, and so that none of their sheep went astray.
So when the angel of the Lord appeared that night, they were understandably out of their comfort zone. This was clearly not a usual occurrence in the life of a shepherd.
Often in our lives we are faced with the unexpected, things happen that don’t quite fit our plan or definition of the way life should be. We, like the shepherds may be terrified, unsure how to make sense of what has surprised us so suddenly and unexpectedly.
Yet we know that as the story progresses, the lives of the shepherds are transformed. the same can be true for us: God invites us to be open to being surprised and to step outside our comfort zones so that we might be drawn closer to Him.
Lord, we pray that you would help us recognise and be open to the unexpected.
December 12, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 3 Day 16
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Jane Borg
As we movethrough Advent closer to Christmas, we tend to hear and maybe even sing our favourite Christmas carols. Mine is ‘O Holy Night’. It is a beautiful hymn and today, as much as when it was written, it speaks into the needs of our world and our hearts….
Margaret Tarrant Christmas Card - "Carol Singers"
'Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.'
It would be easy to despair at the state of our world and our society, with God being pushed aside. Yet Christmas reminds us that there is hope amidst the trials, joy amidst the sorrow, triumph amidst the pain. A new and glorious morn will break once more this Christmas and we will rejoice with the angels singing ‘Glory to God in the highest’.
O Holy Night…. The night our saviour was born.
As we movethrough Advent closer to Christmas, we tend to hear and maybe even sing our favourite Christmas carols. Mine is ‘O Holy Night’. It is a beautiful hymn and today, as much as when it was written, it speaks into the needs of our world and our hearts….
Margaret Tarrant Christmas Card - "Carol Singers"'Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.'
It would be easy to despair at the state of our world and our society, with God being pushed aside. Yet Christmas reminds us that there is hope amidst the trials, joy amidst the sorrow, triumph amidst the pain. A new and glorious morn will break once more this Christmas and we will rejoice with the angels singing ‘Glory to God in the highest’.
O Holy Night…. The night our saviour was born.
December 11, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week Three: Day 15
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Louise Crossley
DID YOU KNOW…
I’m not sure if Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry’s: ‘Mary did you know?’ is a Christmas Carol, but I am sure it contains powerful words which reflect Advent, and also challenges recent media thinking.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver youMary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?... Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group
This beautiful song can remind us of the positivity of Advent. Even non-believers see that people are nicer to each other during this period. Perhaps it is a gentle reminder by God that at this auspicious time, goodness reveals itself. But, we need to recognise goodness even when it is not framed with tinsel and good cheer.
If Mary is being asked: ‘Did you know…’ (and she clearly knows), we certainly should be asking ourselves the same thing every time we speak to one another.
Sometimes we meet people when we are tired, disheartened or hurt, and it is easy to forget that we might be meeting someone who achieves the unachievable ‘walks on water’; has come to teach us something valuable ‘gives sight to a blind man’; refreshes our faith in society ‘make you new’. Even though we are all mere humans and cannot be compared with the divinity of Jesus or the purity of Mary, asking ourselves ‘Did you know?’ may inspire us to be more generous with our time and kinder with our words.
‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares Hebrews 13:2
By asking ourselves what Mary is being asked here, every time we interact with people, we may help to extinguish popular media language like ‘xenophobia’ and ‘otherness’.
I can hear the angelic voice of God responding now… ‘This …(kindness) that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you’.
DID YOU KNOW…
I’m not sure if Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry’s: ‘Mary did you know?’ is a Christmas Carol, but I am sure it contains powerful words which reflect Advent, and also challenges recent media thinking.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver youMary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?... Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group
This beautiful song can remind us of the positivity of Advent. Even non-believers see that people are nicer to each other during this period. Perhaps it is a gentle reminder by God that at this auspicious time, goodness reveals itself. But, we need to recognise goodness even when it is not framed with tinsel and good cheer.
If Mary is being asked: ‘Did you know…’ (and she clearly knows), we certainly should be asking ourselves the same thing every time we speak to one another.
Sometimes we meet people when we are tired, disheartened or hurt, and it is easy to forget that we might be meeting someone who achieves the unachievable ‘walks on water’; has come to teach us something valuable ‘gives sight to a blind man’; refreshes our faith in society ‘make you new’. Even though we are all mere humans and cannot be compared with the divinity of Jesus or the purity of Mary, asking ourselves ‘Did you know?’ may inspire us to be more generous with our time and kinder with our words.
‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares Hebrews 13:2
By asking ourselves what Mary is being asked here, every time we interact with people, we may help to extinguish popular media language like ‘xenophobia’ and ‘otherness’.
I can hear the angelic voice of God responding now… ‘This …(kindness) that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you’.
December 10, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Third Sunday of Lent – Gaudete Sunday
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
Gaudete Sunday is derived from the Latin word "Rejoice". It was also known as "Rose Sunday" and the "Sunday of joy".In churches that have an Advent wreath, the rose coloured candle is lit in addition to two of the violet coloured candles, which represent the first two Sundays of Advent.Instead of fretting about all we still haven't done to prepare for Christmas, today we think of all the good things God has given us. The most blessed gift of all is the gift of eternal life, through the baby Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
Gaudete Sunday is derived from the Latin word "Rejoice". It was also known as "Rose Sunday" and the "Sunday of joy".In churches that have an Advent wreath, the rose coloured candle is lit in addition to two of the violet coloured candles, which represent the first two Sundays of Advent.Instead of fretting about all we still haven't done to prepare for Christmas, today we think of all the good things God has given us. The most blessed gift of all is the gift of eternal life, through the baby Jesus.
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week Three - Gaudete Sunday
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.
By Susanne Timpani
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (Luke 2:6-7)
Andrea Previtali (c. 1480 –1528)
Today's scripture describes an intimate scene which has captivated artists and story-tellers for generations. It provides a glimpse of the humility, intimacy and joy which surround the birth of Jesus.
Working as a night midwife, I always found it easier to maintain a calm labour room at night rather than the day. The 'sound and light show' of hospital chaos ceases to operate overnight. The lights of the birthing room are dimmed and the focus is on creating a state of calm for the troubled hours the labouring mother faces.
Contractions are like waves from the ocean. As they build, the women's groans increase, reach a crescendo and fall away. It is the midwife's role to ensure the calm in between remains calm. Contractions are like breaths, in and out. When the midwife and the mother work together, this focus on breathing makes the pains more manageable. Following hours of intense and ever increasing waves, the relationship between the midwife and the mother deepens.
When the labour is over, and a wet slippery body emerges, the bubble between the mother and midwife bursts. It's at this point that I always became aware that my job was done. It's time for the newborn to connect with their mother. Once the after-birth is out, I pile everything on to the trolley and wheel it out, leaving behind the family to adjust to their new life.
As we read today's verse, allow the Word to seep into our spirit and bring us into that place of intimacy. Does it say something to us that we have never considered before?
By Susanne Timpani
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (Luke 2:6-7)
Andrea Previtali (c. 1480 –1528)
Today's scripture describes an intimate scene which has captivated artists and story-tellers for generations. It provides a glimpse of the humility, intimacy and joy which surround the birth of Jesus.
Working as a night midwife, I always found it easier to maintain a calm labour room at night rather than the day. The 'sound and light show' of hospital chaos ceases to operate overnight. The lights of the birthing room are dimmed and the focus is on creating a state of calm for the troubled hours the labouring mother faces.
Contractions are like waves from the ocean. As they build, the women's groans increase, reach a crescendo and fall away. It is the midwife's role to ensure the calm in between remains calm. Contractions are like breaths, in and out. When the midwife and the mother work together, this focus on breathing makes the pains more manageable. Following hours of intense and ever increasing waves, the relationship between the midwife and the mother deepens.
When the labour is over, and a wet slippery body emerges, the bubble between the mother and midwife bursts. It's at this point that I always became aware that my job was done. It's time for the newborn to connect with their mother. Once the after-birth is out, I pile everything on to the trolley and wheel it out, leaving behind the family to adjust to their new life.
As we read today's verse, allow the Word to seep into our spirit and bring us into that place of intimacy. Does it say something to us that we have never considered before?
December 9, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week 2: Day 13
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.
By Malcolm Davies
But the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people, to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:7-12
Govert Flinck, 1639
Angels we have heard on high:
See him in a manger laid Whom the angels praise above
Our God has been revealed as a God of the Incarnation.
In Jesus, the God of creation, who created the whole universe, joins with weak human flesh and becomes vulnerable for us.
In becoming a human being, God already shows that it’s very good to be human, to be flesh. Already God has told us in Genesis that we are very good and above the rest of creation which is also good.
In Jesus God is showing us that God is affirming and redeeming matter and spirit. God is redeeming the whole of our creation.
God took an awesome risk in allowing his beloved Son to become vulnerable and weak as a baby and we know that there were leaders who would try to kill him.
Let us be inspired by the baby in a manger as a model of humility and vulnerability in our own lives.
By Malcolm Davies
But the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people, to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:7-12
Govert Flinck, 1639Angels we have heard on high:
See him in a manger laid Whom the angels praise above
Our God has been revealed as a God of the Incarnation.
In Jesus, the God of creation, who created the whole universe, joins with weak human flesh and becomes vulnerable for us.
In becoming a human being, God already shows that it’s very good to be human, to be flesh. Already God has told us in Genesis that we are very good and above the rest of creation which is also good.
In Jesus God is showing us that God is affirming and redeeming matter and spirit. God is redeeming the whole of our creation.
God took an awesome risk in allowing his beloved Son to become vulnerable and weak as a baby and we know that there were leaders who would try to kill him.
Let us be inspired by the baby in a manger as a model of humility and vulnerability in our own lives.
December 8, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat: Week Two Day 12
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.By Susanne Timpani
…Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked,
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part…' (Luke 10:39-42)
Are you worried that you are not prepared for Christmas? Are you worried that you are not worried? Over this year we have probably carried many worries - health, work, study, family, community, ministry, finances or faith.
We all carry elements of Mary and Martha. Advent reminds us to choose the 'better part', the way of Mary.
Reflect on this beautiful rendition of 'Be Still My Soul' on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f79VVBt6W4A
December 7, 2016
Advent 30 Day Retreat Week 2 Day 11
Read the Word of God with a prayerful heart.
By Colin Sutton (in 2014 prior to his death)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
An Advent Miracle
This morning I glanced on my bedside table at an icon of Jesus holding the Word. Have we considered how incredible that the Son of God actually came from heaven to earth! Can we get our minds around the fact that God walked and taught on this earth that we walk on?
I am overawed with this amazing miracle. Where would we be without Jesus?He has saved us, so that through Him we may save others.
He is the Good News, so that we may be the Good News. Everything we do either brings someone closer to Him, or takes them further away.
May the coming of Christmas open the door for the coming of Jesus to all.
By Colin Sutton (in 2014 prior to his death)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16
An Advent Miracle
This morning I glanced on my bedside table at an icon of Jesus holding the Word. Have we considered how incredible that the Son of God actually came from heaven to earth! Can we get our minds around the fact that God walked and taught on this earth that we walk on?
I am overawed with this amazing miracle. Where would we be without Jesus?He has saved us, so that through Him we may save others.
He is the Good News, so that we may be the Good News. Everything we do either brings someone closer to Him, or takes them further away.
May the coming of Christmas open the door for the coming of Jesus to all.
