Scripture In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage’ (Matthew 2 1-2) Reflection Sometimes we are not very good at welcoming people who look different, wear different clothes or speak with a different accent from ours. We sometimes make it quite clear to them that they are outsiders, that they are not welcome. Our reading focuses on the Wise Men from the East who are being led by God, all the way to Bethlehem. Strangers from another land travelling to a strange place to be shown God’s baby Son. King Herod pretended to make them welcome, but at Jesus’ home they were really made welcome - Mary and Joseph welcomed them with open arms. God wanted these ‘outsiders’ to be among the first to meet his Son because Jesus had come into the world for everybody, and not just for the Jewish people. Perhaps we all need a timely reminder that the good news of the Gospel is for everyone; and not just those like us. Perhaps one of our New Year's resolutions could be to be more like Mary and Joseph and welcome everyone with open arms. Lyn Hayes ALM
Scripture‘You are observing special days, and months, and seasons, and years. I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.’ (St Paul writing to the Galatians 4.10-11)Reflection Paul was not attacking the ways in which we observe Christmas! But he was anxious that we should be living the good life every day, every month, every season and every year. In the middle of winter and dark times, we are celebrating the birth of a child who brought light – the child who as man revealed God as Spirit never defeated by darkness. As daylight hours lengthen with the new year, can we may each day special by extending the time we spend ‘walking in the light’? David Harmsworth ...
Scripture….the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. …… Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26 – 38 [26-27, 32-33, 36])ReflectionMary was startled, and not just by the angel’s appearing, but even more so by his message. No wonder that ordinary, extraordinary, Mary asked ‘but how?’And often in our own lives, we also want to ask that question. How is it going to be possible for us to overcome the impossible? Then it is good to remember and hear the angel’s answer to Mary: ‘Nothing will be impossible with God.’ When we look out into the world, many things could make us feel that it is impossible. How can we trust God when wars rage and the climate is out of whack and people are starving and oppressed? But God, our God who choose to be born of Mary, to live amongst people like ourselves and suffer, die and rise again for us in a time which was no less violent, no less confusing and worrying than our own, this God is the same God for whom nothing is impossible. We can trust him. We can also say ‘Yes’, just like Mary.May God bless you this Christmas and always,Revd Ylva
