Advent abounds with prophetic words about the promises of God fulfilled through the birth of the Messiah. However, in the church today prophecy can be one of those divisive things. It can be easy to over complicate and even send it into a sort of Gnostic secret knowledge world, or judge people about a lack of faith. Ever happened to you? St Paul cuts through all this in the New Testament book 1 Corinthians. In verse 3 of chapter fourteen he offers this very helpful little definition: ‘But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort’ (NIV). It’s about the Holy Spirit bringing the work and benefits of Christ to us. Apart from hearing this, today we’ll also receive them.