2025 ACJV update # 13 Advent, Christmas, & a reflection on healing…
Hi Everyone,
ADVENT
This Sunday marks the beginning of the church year, Advent. This is the time that we prepare our hearts for the return of Jesus. We also prepare to celebrate his first 'advent' (arrival) at Christmas.
Here's a few ideas for celebrating advent. Perhaps one might resonate with you: Advent Ideas
If you feel led to pray or fast during this season, then I invite you to join me in prayer at Epiphany on Wednesday mornings (6:45 am start). I will be using the daily office to pray psalms and read scripture but we can detour into other prayers as we feel led. If anyone does feel a call to more intensive prayer, let me know. Perhaps we can meet at Epiphany for evening prayers (around 8 pm).
Our Seddon Growth Group will continue to meet during Advent, at Rob's place. (7 pm Tuesdays).
Christmas: Awatere Christian Joint Venture Services
Sunday, December 14th: 10 am, Epiphany, Seddon - Awatere Kids Christmas Choir. BBQ to follow.
Christmas Eve: (Wednesday, December 24th) 7 pm, St. Peter’s, Ward - Carol Service.
Christmas Day: (Thursday December 25th) 10 am, Epiphany, Foster St., Seddon.
Healing Prayer
Recently someone shared with me a story of being healed from a life threatening illness. As a pastor, I am privileged to hear such stories, and sometimes to witness things which are very hard to explain as anything but God's intervention. I have experienced divine healing personally, observed healings and heard accounts of healings from people I trust. Scholar Craig Keener has collected miracle accounts from all around the world, including some healing accounts with medical records. His book, Miracles Today makes fascinating reading. He can be found on You tube talking about this topic.
I still have many questions about healing, including the big one: "Why does God heal some people but not others?"
But here's a brief summary where I am at with the topic of divine healing:
God heals people today in the name (authority and power) of Jesus.
Jesus healed people and the apostles healed in his name.
I thank God for the natural healing powers that our bodies have.
I thank God for every person who devotes their life to the practice of medicine.
I thank God that our society tries to make medical care available to all - this is part of the Christian heritage of our nation.
As a result of sin we will all die one day.
God uses our trials and tribulations to refine us and grow us into the likeness of Jesus.
When Jesus returns, God's people will be healed of all their spiritual, mental and physical diseases and given new bodies.
God said 'no' to a prayer of the apostle Paul at least once.
The apostle Paul recommended a natural remedy: Take a little wine
Paul teaches us that God gives 'gifts of healings'
gifts of healing are not universal. (The Greek grammar in this passage requires the answer, no to the question)
With all that in mind, when someone is confronted with physical, mental and spiritual problems I encourage them to pray, to live healthy lives and to seek medical help, trusting in Jesus to walk with them. I encourage us all to pray consistently for ourselves and others and to keep on seeking God. I encourage you all to pray and fast for people you know who are struggling with various trials. If you ever want prayer for healing, and anointing with oil, please just ask. Sunday morning after the service is a wonderful time to gather a few people to pray for healing.
Also, when we face trials, it is very helpful to sit down with a pastor and a Bible to see if God's word has anything to say about the things we are experiencing.
God Bless,
John