By Not Known It has often been said that one becomes like who he or she follows. This suggests that people influence one another and that we are shaped by certain charisma in its broadest sense. The proverb “birds of the same feathers flock together” further suggests that people often click around some strongly felt…

By Not Known As an avid coffee drinker, I love this story. The beans of this certain coffee come from a remote part of Java although several other Southeast Asian countries also claim to have such coffee. It is supposedly the most exquisite, exotic, and most expensive coffee in the world. At US$300 for 450…

By Not Known For many of us this time of the year is significant in the overall rhythm of life. Some things do not change – the beating of our hearts, the breathing in and out, the rising and setting of the sun. Although our hearts may skip a beat or two at times leaving…

By Not Known The Christian gospel is well summarised by the words of John the Baptist and Jesus: Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. (Mat 3:2) Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mat 3: 17) These sayings make an announcement and give an imperative. The announcement is grounded in…

By Not Known This is the day for lessons and carols! The selection and arrangement is not at random. The selected lessons take us through vital parts of the Christmas gospel and the carols lead our heartfelt response to what we hear in Scripture. The first lesson (Gen 3:22,24) tells us of our need for…

By Not Known Matthew writes well. His telling of the Christmas story keeps our attention as he moves from one dramatic scene to another. But in all this he keeps our focus where he wants it to be – on Jesus. Consider the way Matthew treats his characters. In just two chapters he introduces at…

By Not Known The Christmas scene is well and truly with us. The Orchard Road display is up and Christmas carols croon behind the ringing of cash registers in the shopping malls. Families take holidays and employees calculate the year-end bonus. Restaurants offer Christmas dishes, homes are decorated and cards are sent. Is that all?…

By Not Known The coming of Jesus at Christmas was a giant leap forward in God’s plans. Christmas was a big fulfilment of Old Testament promises. Here was the descendant of Eve who would crush the serpent’s head (Gen 3: 15). ‘Immanuel’ was here, representing the presence of God with his people (Isa 7:14). The…

By Not Known The Bible holds out a big message of hope for God’s creation and people. Zechariah explains this hope in the terms of his generation – a revived Israel and an impregnable Jerusalem. The Gospels explain it in terms of the fullness of God’s kingdom: God’s people in God’s place and under God’s…

By Not Known They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn (Zech 12:10) Like the other prophets Zechariah has a message that reflects God’s holiness and mercy. God’s holiness is seen in his judgements. He is so holy that he will even judge his own people. God’s mercy is…