Photo was taken at Altamount, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

This living Christmas Tree called ‘Amies Korena’ is famous for its beautiful pine cones, which it produces at this time of year.

Thought on Monday – December – 09/12/2013

In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judea and this was his message: ‘Repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ ~Matthew 3:1

John the Baptist has been described as a prophetic figure. Prophetic is a big word that we don’t use much but it means someone special, someone who stands out, someone who doesn’t go with the flow and someone willing to stand up for others. John the Baptist ticked all those boxes. We are told that people flocked towards him. His life and lifestyle spoke more powerfully than any words. Nelson Mandela whose life has touched so many was also a modern prophetic figure. He too spoke more powerfully than any words. He lived and embraced gospel values especially peace, healing, courage, light and hope. He was the difference for so many people and in that sense he was a modern prophetic figure. As we journey through Advent and towards Christmas we are encouraged to also be the difference, to do it in small little ways, to be willing to hold a light for someone and to stand up for what we really believe in.