This Sunday is the last one in the Church Calendar before the new liturgical year begins with Advent. Historically, it’s been known as ‘stir up Sunday’ because the collect for this week was said to remind people to bake their Christmas cake on this day, so that it had time to mature before December 25th. It almost reads as though it were specially written for the occasion. Not only does it start with the image of stirring up our hearts, but it even contains a reference to plenteously bringing forth fruit.
Of course, it’s completely up to you whether you make a Christmas cake today. But whether you do or don’t, it’s worth using this week’s collect to think about our preparations for Christmas. Many things stir up our hearts at this time of year; preoccupations with buying gifts and food, the logistics of getting our families all in one place, and the complicated emotions – both happy and sad – that come with the festive season. Amidst all of that, let’s keep praying that God would keep us alert to opportunities to do good, to serve him and to love our neighbour.
Ed