Sunday 27th December 2020

Thought for the Week – The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.

The Word becomes flesh in Bethlehem; but that truth cannot be packed away with the Christmas lights, out of sight, for another year. Mary and Joseph’s child is named as the angel directed; the shepherds proclaim what they have seen and heard; God has become a human being. In these first days after his birth, the child is already changing the lives of those who know him. The story is just beginning. (Luke 2: 15-21)

The Nativity is perhaps the most celebrated account of any birth in human history. The image of a child chosen by God to enter the world in a situation of such vulnerability and in such menial circumstances, serves to emphasise God’s humility, and that the more we trust that he really did enter our world as one of us, the more we can be reassured that we shall finally be raised up into the company of heaven.

God chose, out of love and compassion, to enter the dark, and often lonely and afflicted place of human existence. He chose to encounter us where we are. His light has shone steadily through the darkness of this world, and it has not been vanquished, even in the troubles and disappointments of our own time. (John 1: 5)

Hymn for Today

As with gladness men of old

Did the guiding star behold.

As with joy they hailed its light,

Leading onward, beaming bright:

So, most gracious Lord, may we

Evermore your splendour see.

Prayer for Today

We pray: To save us from eternal death, the great Messiah came to earth. Then let us with united voice sing Alleluia, and rejoice!

Note: The Gospel and Readings Set for Today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.