January
“As with gladness, men of old, did the guiding star behold”.
On the 6th of this month we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Wise Men to greet and to worship the Christ Child – God made Man. This story is here in the Gospels for a purpose – the Wise Men came from “country far”, they were foreigners, we are being told very clearly that Jesus came into the world to save all mankind.
They brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh for the new arrival. There is a lovely folk tale that Jesus ignored the gold, liked the aroma from the incense and touched the myrrh.
What is the message in this story? Just how important is money in our lives? Do we let it dominate us or is it in its rightful place, just a means to an end? Incense is a part of our acts of worship, the fragrant smoke represents our prayers as they rise towards the Lord. The Myrrh reminds us of how we must all endure difficulties and sorrows as we go through life and at the appointed time, leave this world behind.
We stand on the threshold of the New Year; we are leaving behind a very difficult year. Let us pray that the love and joy brought in to the world those two thousand years ago will give us the strength to endure all that 2021 will bring.
God Bless