Welcome
Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
As the wondrous events of that first Christmas fade into another year’s memory it is easy to forget that the story is not over. As we enter the New Year and the Christmas religious season merges into Epiphany it is easy to only recall the visitation of the Wise men, who came bearing gifts, as they worshipped the young child in the house. Not only did the Magi bring gifts but they also heralded, albeit unwittingly, one of the most cruel and heinous crimes recorded in the New Testament. This occasioned by the jealousy of Herod, who threatened by the announcement of a new King, ordered soldiers to kill all male children two years and under in the whole district. This is, of course, reminiscent of the decision by Pharaoh, many centuries earlier, to kill all the male children of the Israelites while they were slaves in Egypt. We know now that neither actions were successful as God made provision both for the safety of Jesus and his family and that of Moses.
New Years messages by religious leaders and politicians will no doubt speak of hope for 2026. This comes at a time when there are more conflicts around the world than at any time since World War Two. Some specifically targeted at Christians, such as in Nigeria, and others fed by religious difference. It behoves us then to pray for peace and reconciliation and that God will again protect those who are faithful to him.
We are God’s agents of peace in the world, a task that seems impossible at times. We know that peace is ultimately a gift from God, who will in His time, renew the entire creation and establish order and harmony. May we continue to play our part through prayer and our daily neighbourly actions.
Steve Beynon
