He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.          John 1 : 10

Bible reading : John 1 : 10 – 18

Thought for this week

In these socially distanced times our Gospel reading seems even more powerful and counter – cultural than ever. That Jesus came from heaven. That He came to truly share our life. That His divinity met with our humanity in compassion and love. No words are adequate or come close to the words of the Gospel writer John, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”.

As we say the words Happy New Year to one another we know we are still having to keep our distance. We’re still having to restrict our contact with one another. Having to sanitise and hide our faces, and reserve personal space.

Yet our Gospel reading speaks of the nature of the Lord’s love for us that does not need screens or masks or distance, but a coming close, a sharing even, literally the Lord pitching His tent and making His dwelling among us.

The Lord promises much more than a happy new year. Jesus offers us Himself, to know we can trust in Him, know His care and protection, know His presence with us, receive His forgiveness and new life through the Cross and His sacrifice. Jesus calls us into a lifetime of belonging to Him and believing in Him. That is to be happy indeed!

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Almighty God,

in the birth of your Son

you have poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word,

and shown us the fullness of your love:

help us to walk in his light and dwell in his love

that we may know the fullness of his joy;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever

Amen.