4th January 2023

A thought from George Ford

‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked “Where is the one born king of the Jews? . . .”
Then Herod . . . sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child.” . . .
…the star they had seen … went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. . . .
On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.’
(Matthew 2:1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12. abridged NIV)

Reflection

Tomorrow the Church celebrates Epiphany, when those wise and learned men –

astrologers, scientist, priests etc. from all over the then known world were guided

to Jesus. As we set off into a New Year – that fresh start, new page to write on, a

fresh sea on which to sail our often fragile boat, let us allow ourselves to be

guided both to, and by Jesus, through His Holy Spirit. For He has promised to be

with all who follow Him, and his ways, until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).

Prayer

Loving Lord Jesus we thank you for this New Year. For the opportunity of a fresh start in following you and your ways. Guide and strengthen us by your Spirit we pray, as we read your word and listen for your answers to our prayers. And to you be all the glory, honour and praise, now, and for ever more.
Amen.

Worship

‘Lord for the years your love has kept and guided, urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided, Lord of the years we bring our thanks today. Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us – Self on the cross and Christ upon the throne, past put behind us, for the future take us: Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.’
(Timothy Dudley-Smith 1967)