Epiphany: The Wise MenAs with gladness men of old did the shining star behold,As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright, So, most gracious God may we evermore be led to thee ReflectionIt’s fascinating to learn of the different ways God makes himself known. I don’t know of anyone else guided to God by a star, but then stars were what these magi, or wise men, knew about. They were astrologers, whose whole business was the study of the firmament, so it’s hardly surprising that this was God’s way of communicating with them.I have a friend who found God while birdwatching on Romney Marsh. Another came to faith through the miracle of his son’s birth. Some find God through the contagious faith of friends; some through scripture, music, art, sport, science, grief or joy. For God there is no ‘one size fits all’. He speaks to each of us in our own situation, in ways we understand. Lord, open our eyes and our ears that we, too, may be ‘led to thee’ Revd Rosemary
ScriptureSo deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2 v 8) ReflectionA very Happy New Year to you all and I hope that as we journey through this new year that it will prove to be a little better than the last couple of very challenging and different years. Now I don’t know about you but I tend not to make any huge New Year’s resolutions as I am only likely to set myself up for a big fall. However, that does not mean that taking very small steps should not be on the agenda - especially those steps that help me to get closer to God. Sharing of ourselves to others: by a simple phone call to find out if someone is ok, or checking on a neighbour you haven’t seen for a while or just simply saying “Good morning’ with a smile is a good way to start this New Year. Lyn Hayes
Scripture‘Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.’ (Acts 6 - v8) Reflection These days, the Feast of Stephen is more often sung about in the carol Good King Wenceslas than celebrated in church. It has become Boxing Day, with its principal activities of sporting fixtures or shopping!! This is a shame as Stephen has much to offer us. He is chosen as a deacon - someone who is selected to minister to the physical needs of the church members - and he is chosen because of his gifts. He is full of the Spirit - of faith, grace & power. He does signs and wonders and is very wise. He is revealed as an ideal disciple who shares the fate of Christ. Having celebrated the birth of Christ yesterday, we may feel too full for one more mince pie, but we will never feel there is no room for an extra helping of hope. Spiritual feasting is not about having consumed, but about being consumed by the love of God. This is what will make us a disciple as faithful as Stephen. Lyn Hayes
Scripture“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you…..Worship God!” (Revelation 22, v8-10)ReflectionThe last book of the bible, Revelation, tells us the story of the end of the world as we know it. Time and time again, we read that Jesus will come back again to earth - a day Christians might describe as the “Second Coming”. For John, a simple human man, this ‘revelation’ must have been almost too much to imagine, and so he falls down at the feet of the angel to worship him. The angel - powerful, strong and brilliantly shining as he was - told John in no uncertain terms to stop and look to God, the only One worthy of worship and adoration. As we look forward to the ‘big day’ next weekend, pause for a moment and ask yourself what you are looking forward to the most. Whatever it is - and it may be the best thing you can imagine - nothing and no-one can compare to the great day at the end of all time when Jesus, God’s son, who gave up His life for you returns to gather his flock. There will be no greater celebration among those who know that He is the only one worthy of worship, than on that day.Vicki Young
