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Gospel centred sermons, based on the lectionary often in advance.

Nov 22, 2010

A Season of Grace

 Presented 7 November 2010, St Stephen's Toowoomba

Key Reading 2 Thesalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 (See especially v 16-17)

When I was a high school English teacher, I shared the Lyrics of the Midnight Oil song - The Forgotten Years with my year 11 English class.

            As they looked at the lyrics and listened to the song one said to me "Sir, you've made a mistake! This line should read ‘seasons of war and peace', not ‘seasons of war and grace'". But I hadn't made a mistake because Midnight Oil's song was reflecting on the idea that our nation has never been invaded in a major conflict and that it had been two to three generations since we were involved as a whole nation in a large scale war.

            "Grace" is a Christian word which means God loves us and forgives us even though we don't deserve it. Through most of Christian history not just most Catholics but most Protestants and Orthodox alike all believe that if we ask God will forgive us for whatever we have done wrong. This might sound unfair. And you're right! It is unfair.

            We live in a "season of grace". For at least 30 years we have lived in a time of unfair gift. This time of peace and prosperity has been given to us, especially people my age and younger, even though we done absolutely nothing to deserve it. Others have made sacrifices so we could live in peace and security.

            With Remembrance Day on Thursday we would do well to make sure the war years and all those who served should not be “forgotten”. They have given us non servicemen, a season of grace, a gift we do not deserve- a gift like that of God in Jesus upon the cross.