Always Hope

So, the Church of England's latest PR coup is to sign Jo Brand to jolly everyone to go to their local carol service this Christmas time. Jo writes: "As usual, I am looking forward to going to church this Christmas. I'm not really a churchy person but I do think Jesus was a good bloke. The singing of carols and the churches decorated with nativity scenes remind me of my childhood ..when it always seemed to be snowing". What japes! And in a Saturday exclusive, Always Hope can reveal that this is only the first of a number of celebrity endorsements secured by the C of E this year. We bring you the rest: Bruce Forsyth: "the church's Christmas special is one of the highlights of the broadcasting year. Candles twinkling, Jesus on top of the tree, it gives us a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Yes, I'd love to appear, thank you very much, no fee, it's not for the money you know." David Cameron: "I love Church, Christmas and all that kind of thing....

Whoever made this video is very naughty. I post it below merely for information. (via eChurch Christian Blog ) If you don't know who Benny Hinn is, this is his website . In all seriousness, have a quick look, but please don't read it. If you read my post on the healing of Delia Knox , you might remember that I mentioned there are a lot of fakes out there in the "miracle" business. Some of them are very successful. Enough said?

... but this one. There's a video of the Hallelujah chorus doing the rounds of the blogs, an Advent sign of joy breaking into the world. It's nice. But I rather prefer this one, courtesy of The Vernacular Curate , and who knows who else. Fun.

Only joking. By way of a plug for the marvellous Dave Walker, click here , a link which, it just happens, contains an irreverent cartoon about Calvinism. Makes you think, though. Calvinism as understood by its modern advocates seems to imply that we are really predestined to go to that particular seminar, to choose that particular path in life, to wear that particular pair of socks today. I can't help feeling that's not really what Calvin had in mind (or Paul, for that matter).  It encourages a mindset of "what will be, will be", which doesn't seem very biblical at all to me.