The Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. O come, let us worship. Alleluia
Second Sunday after Christmas
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Readings (Click the links to see the readings)
Jeremiah 31.7-14 | Psalm 147.12-20 | Ephesians 1.3-14 | John 1.(1-9) 10-18
Tomorrow is the Epiphany; this is a hymn for the Epiphany. Glorious now behold Him arise, |
Reflection In the Celtic tradition, this daily celebration of the coming of the light of each day then became a daily reminder of heaven, of the future light of eternity: O God, who broughtest me from the rest of last night Then there is a prayer in the evening, as the light fades at dusk, at the time of "the change-over routine," as naturalists in Africa call that moment when evening falls and the wild creatures welcome the coming of the darkness. I am in hope, in its proper time, This is a reminder of something that is only too easy to forget in a culture of urban values: both the light and the dark have a role to play. John Davies, a bishop who has known both Africa and England, and who now lives on the borders in North Wales, reminds us: "There is a place within the providence of God for the darkness, the night, the shadow. Our individual formation is in the dark, between conception and birth. The mysterious workings of our bodies are in the dark. The seed grows secretly in the dark. … We need to recognize and work with this darkness, even when we feel that it is opposing the light which is the primary gift of God." Prayer Your nativity, O Christ our God, |
May the Lord, who has called out of darkness into his marvellous light, bless us and fill us with peace. Amen.