Advent 2

Readings for this week are:

Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12

All of which seem to speak of continuity, of descendants, of relationship over time.
Where are we in this succession?
I am reminded of a recent morning spent mooching around Canterbury cathedral, where the windows depicting the figures of Old & new Testament were described as an early version of 'who do you think you are' - linking the monks in worship with their roots in the people of God.
I also notice that December 1st commemorates Nicholas Ferrar, deacon of Little Gidding and founder of a religious movement there, devoted to prayer and study of the scripture. Before his death he said to his community: `It is the right, good old way you are in; keep in it'.
I think I'm minded to say something about our true roots, our true way, our real 'tradition' in Christ: at this time of year when we tend to think about family & friends & where we have come from only in terms of our little span of life.
Being a descendant of Jesus means choosing to follow, to keep in the right, good, old way. And maybe there's a link between keeping in the way and that old phrase 'keeping Christmas'...

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