The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one. Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!— came into being without him.
What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.  John 1 : 1 – 5, from The Message

Readings this week :  Proverbs 8 : 1, 22 - 31; Colossians 1 : 15 - 20; John 1 : 1 - 14

Thought for this week

There seems to be so much darkness at the moment. The days are still relatively short. There is so much that is hard on the news, both in this country and abroad. Yet with so much that is hard and difficult to witness, the snowdrops are out in the churchyard – more vivid and numerous than ever.

They are a reminder that this week we celebrated Candlemas. The infant Jesus being brought into the temple, meeting with Simeon and Anna. An outpouring of faith, of joy, of dedication of who Jesus is, God’s Light come into the world. The promises fulfilled. An overpouring of the Lord’s grace and truth into our lives and hearts.

The snowdrops seems to pour out of the ground with their pure, intense whiteness. They are a reminder of Jesus coming onto our world with His hope and love, however cold and dark the earth, however dark the days.

In John 1 : 5 we read : “The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;the darkness couldn’t put it out”

There is a powerless and futility in the darkness. The darkness is already defeated. The Light of Jesus always supreme and all powerful. Jesus is the Light blazing in the darkness. Our Lord, Saviour and Friend. 

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image:

teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. 

Amen

Almighty God, give us reverence for all creation and respect for every person,

that we may mirror your likeness in Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Amen

People to pray for :

For those waiting for medical treatment, including from Mental Health Services

For our Government at this time, especially in the international situation

For those searching or new to faith in Jesus