Peace is a Person: Jesus - by Peter Henderson
‘Read Philippians 4:4-9. We live in an age of frenetic energy, overstimulation and scattered senses. Politics, war, social media and all the loud voices tend to drown out our few, precious moments of quiet reflection. Peace is elusive. We often live with a sustained internal anxiety compounded by the external hostilities and conflicts that seem continually camping on our doorstep. But peace is not the absence of anxiety or chaos; it is the transformative power of God’s grace in the midst of the storm. Recently it dawned on me that the little phrase in Philippians 4:5, “the Lord is near,” isn’t a superfluous insertion, but actually the key to understanding the whole of what follows. The peace of God can guard you because the God of peace is near. Peace is a Person: Jesus, our Prince of Peace. The presence of Jesus in our midst permits us to name the anxieties that plague our souls and present them into his capable hands. He equips us with thanksgiving to see beyond the dire circumstances that cause our grief and to trust in the goodness of God despite the chaos we see in the world. He empowers us with a gentle spirit; the ability to live peaceably with others in a world of strife. Pray for peace in the world where there has been warfare and bloodshed. Pray for peace internally where anxiety and fear have been in control.’
Jesus film: art and tech wizardry combine in new Gospel vehicle
The Animated Story of Jesus, set for a December 2025 release, is an innovative animated version of the celebrated Jesus Film. This project, spearheaded by Florida-based director Dominic Carola, is not a remake but a new visual interpretation of the world’s most-translated film. The vision for this film, unveiled in Seoul, Washington DC, and Kampala, has attracted talent from major studios like Pixar and Disney. Carola, with experience on Disney films like Mulan and The Lion King, leads a team of top artists using advanced technology like the Unreal Engine to bring the story to life. This technology will enable the depiction of historical sites like the Temple and Robinson’s Arch in virtual reality, augmented reality, and the Metaverse. Carola views animation as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, making the story of Jesus accessible to children worldwide, regardless of location or electricity availability. The project, considered a significant Bible study by Carola and his team, is supported by the Jesus Film Project, a large outreach organisation. He acknowledges the immense prayer support and feels a sense of protection and team spirit in this endeavour.
Stormont talks: Sir Jeffrey tiptoeing his way to a deal?
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP leader, seems to be cautiously moving towards a deal that could see his party return to Stormont. He acknowledges the final stages of negotiation as the most challenging, hinting at internal party disputes. This development follows the collapse of Northern Ireland’s government in February 2022 over post-Brexit trading arrangements, known as the Irish Sea border. The key issue is the proposed UK Internal Market Act amendment, ensuring Northern Ireland businesses can access the UK market. However, this primarily addresses goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, not the reverse, which involves checks and paperwork under the Windsor Framework. The DUP appears open to some checks to prevent criminality and smuggling. Additionally, measures to reinforce Northern Ireland's union status, such as a new East-West council, are being discussed, but their decision-making power is uncertain. The government is eager for a quick decision, with a potential financial incentive of above £2.5 billion. If no agreement is reached soon, secretary of state Chris Heaton may need to take decisive action, potentially concluding negotiations with the DUP and revealing the proposed deal.
A&E waits grow as packed hospitals brace for tough winter
The NHS is confronting escalating A&E wait times as it faces one of its most difficult winters. In England, only 69.7% of patients were seen within the four-hour target last month. Ambulance delays have worsened, with one-third of patients experiencing waits of more than 30 minutes at hospitals. The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) reported significant ambulance service delays, leading to 149,000 lost hours and potential harm to 37,000 patients. The College of Paramedics highlighted the urgent need for investment in ambulance services and emergency department improvements. Despite preparations, the NHS's situation remains challenging compared to last year. The Health Foundation notes that its performance this winter depends on weather and seasonal viruses. Lib Dem spokeswoman Daisy Cooper criticised the government for inadequate preparation. NHS England's medical director and PM Rishi Sunak acknowledged the challenges, mentioning government efforts in early planning and funding to enhance A&E, ambulance services, and patient discharge processes.
