Alison and the whale

For Christmas hope and healing, look to the shadows

All around the world, people are preparing. The fridges are filled; the tables are set; the gifts are wrapped and waiting under the tree. The tinsel shimmers and Sinatra sings, as the world prepares for Christmas. It’s a wonderful time, a joyful time; we should all be so excited. So why, for so many of us, does it feel so hard?
A reflection on Luke 2:1-20 given to Sanctuary, 23 December 2018 (our early Christmas service) © Alison Sampson, 2018. 

Winnowing out only violence: Shifting from John to Jesus

John envisions a judgemental saviour; but Jesus shows a different way.
A reflection on Luke 3:7-18a given to Sanctuary, 16 December 2018 (Year C Advent 3, C03) © Alison Sampson, 2018. Image credit: Paz Arando on Unsplash

Rethinking Forgiveness

A reflection on sin, repentance, forgiveness, and clearing the path for peace.
A reflection on Luke 3:1-8a given to Sanctuary, 9 December 2018 (Year C Advent 2, C02) © Alison Sampson, 2018. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.

Apocalypse Now

School students go on #ClimateStrike while adults bury their heads in the sand. What has Jesus to say about this?
A reflection on #ClimateStrike and Luke 21:25-36, given to Sanctuary, 2 December 2018 (Year C Advent 1, C01) © Alison Sampson, 2018.
 
 

Revelation at Armageddon

Stories of Armageddon, Israel, Italy, and Christ the King.
A reflection on John 18:33-37 and Revelation for the Feast of Christ the King, given to Sanctuary, 25 November 2018 (Year B Proper 29, BP29) © Alison Sampson, 2018. Image credit: Alison Sampson, showing layers at Megiddo (and a stone altar for sacrifices).

Visions of an Angry Prophet

What might the church of the future look like? Thoughts from an angry prophet given to the Baptist Union of Victoria on the occasion of her ordination, Saturday 20 October 2018, and expanded for Sanctuary, Sunday 28 October 2018. I should add, this angry prophet is often seen laughing! Just in case you're worried.

Suffering: Who's to blame?

A fairly short reflection on the very big question of suffering, given to Sanctuary, 14 October 2018 © Alison Sampson, 2018.

A Tale of Three Donkeys

The story of Balaam and his donkey reveals just what big asses we tend to be.
A reflection on Numbers 22-24 given to Sanctuary, 7 October 2018 © Alison Sampson, 2018.

Holy Gossip

Is all gossip bad? Or could there be a gift in gossip?
A reflection on James 3:1-12 given to Sanctuary, 16 September 2018 (BP19; Year B Proper 19) © Alison Sampson, 2018.

Soup and Stories, 8 September 2018

Not the usual podcast! This is a recording of me telling folktales at a small local event, totally unpolished, just as is. May these stories feed and sustain you - and may you be ready to pass them on! Two stories from Turkey: Nasreddin Hodja: The Recipe & Nasreddin Hodja: The Coat; and a story from Liberia: The Cowtail Switch.