On Wednesday’s Radio 4 Thought for the Day, Rhidian Brook was talking about who we are influenced by. He wanted to distance himself from the ‘influencers’ who crave fame and fortune by ‘being themselves’ on social media, and who are
Happy New Year
We all like something new. Sometimes ‘new’ means ‘for the first time’, but often it’s about something new replacing something old: a new coat consigns the old one to the cupboard (or is passed on to someone else); a new
Great Joy
“Glad tidings of Great Joy”, the angel said. So, how does that work? Does it come because of the food, festivities, families, and fun? Does it come as we realise the darkening of the winter nights has turned back? Or
What’s in a name?
One of the major themes of Advent is preparing ourselves for Jesus’ return. It’s a season of great hope, but for many people the whole idea has been a cause for anxiety. How can we look forward to Jesus returning
A Signpost
On the A44 between Rhayader and Kington, there is a signpost for Llandegley Airport. But if you follow the directions you won’t find the airport because it doesn’t’ exist – it never has. The owner of the sign says it’s
Is the Old Testament relevant today?
It’s quite common for Christians to think that the Old Testament is less relevant to us than the New. Not only is it full of unfamiliar names and places from thousands of years ago, but many of its laws do
Ready, Steady…
In the 2012 Olympic 100m final, Usain Bolt lined up in lane 7. “On your marks”, “Set”, the gun went off and 9.64 seconds later the race was won. Years of physical and mental training justified in just 10 seconds.
Who do you say I am?
“Who do you say I am?” (Matt 16:15) this question, asked by Jesus in Caesarea Philippi, is one of the great questions everyone must wrestle with. And in the Gospels it’s Peter who seemingly gives the right answer “You are
The Bible’s Vision of Peace
Of all the visions of the future that the Bible gives us, few are more universally appealing than those that show the world at peace. ‘Prince of Peace’ is one of the best-known titles given to Jesus in the Bible
Why?
I was talking to a small child last week – I was leaving and he was asking why I had to go. So I explained in my best talking-to-a-3-year-old voice why I was leaving, and he simply repeated the question