Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 7

The Blessing of Humility

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.” Luke 1:46-49

Church News Ireland – December 24

Image of the day - Christingle ever popular

Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 6

Servant of the Lord

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

Church News Ireland – December 23

Image of the day - Ukraine focus for Archbishops’ Christmas broadcast

Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 5

Miracles

Gabriel appeared to Mary and said, “Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favour with God!” Luke 1:28-30

Church News Ireland – December 22

Image of the day - Christmas harmony

and Cecil Frances Alexander

Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 4

Obeying

The angel said to Zechariah, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Luke 1:19-20

Church News Ireland – December 21

Image of the day - Black Santa: Tapping into our generosity

The first Black Santa - The Very Reverend Samuel Bennett Crooks

Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 3

Privilege of Prayer

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his section was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. Luke 1:8-10

Church News Ireland – December 20

Image of the day - Dublin’s Black Santa

Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 2

Dealing with disappointments

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:6-7

Church News Ireland – December 19

Image of the day - Belfast in unison

Speaking to the Soul – Christmas 1

Revolutionary

His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. Luke 1:51-53

Church News Ireland – December 17

Image of the day - Clogher’s Freezing fund raisers

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 17

We never walk alone

Church News Ireland – December 16

Image of the day - Belfast City Mission’s Toy Appeal

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 16

God of the poor, God of the rich

Church News Ireland – December 15

Ballyholme’s Living Advent Calendar

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 15

Hymns of hope

Church News Ireland – December 14

Image of the day - Maghera nativity

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 14

Challenging abuse of power

Church News Ireland – December 13

Image of the day - Armagh City Choir concert

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 13

A Christian presence, in stadiums, pubs and ‘fanzone’ areas

Church News Ireland – December 12

Image of the day - St Patrick’s friendly dog

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 12.

We are ultimately part of the same TEAM - the human race

Church News Ireland – December 10

Image of the day - Making music in Larne

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 10

Can I turn a blind eye to injustice?

Church News Ireland – December 9

Image of the day - Kilkenny tree fancier

World Cup Speaking to the Soul – December 9

Becoming ‘good’ at anything - a sport, a skill, an action - takes practice

Church News Ireland – December 8

Image of the day - Ukrainian Ambassador acknowledges Moville Parishes’ support of refugees