Epiphany

Today is Epiphany Sunday – epiphany means an appearance (from the Greek epiphaneia - an apparition) a moment of great revelation, and traditionally in the western Christian church is the day we celebrate the visit of the wise men bringing gifts to worship the Christ child – the revelation to the world of Jesus as Lord and King. In the Eastern church Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist – this year in the Anglican Church calendar, the two events coincide.

It is a long journey from Advent to Epiphany, which marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas. But the whole of this journey and the message of the Christmas season is meant for us – we are the “whosoever” of John 3:16 – God gave himself for us. A whole year is ahead of us as the Christmas celebrations draw to a close. If you have not done so yet, please think about giving God the best Christmas present you ever could – yourself. You are important – so important that Jesus came and gave himself on your behalf. All God has ever wanted is to give us the opportunity to be free in Him, to be His. To know him as a personal God, Friend and companion.

May God bless you all

Keith Brown

The Light Has Come

A few weeks ago I went to see “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” at the cinema and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the third film to be made from the C.S. Lewis Narnia stories. Although these books are primarily aimed at children, they contain profound truths about faith for readers of all ages. With the brilliance of modern 3D technology, the film expertly contrasted the differences between good and evil, light and darkness and the choices we are free to make. I found the monsters, the temptations and the all pervading air of evil very frightening, whereas the children I’ve spoken to about it seemed to cope very well! In one scene Lucy is tempted to look into a mirror and desire to see a more beautiful vision of herself. The implication is that she has no intrinsic value. It reminded me strongly of Simon’s talk where he invited us to look at our reflections and realise God loves us just as we are with all our blemishes and faults.

The Bible notes which I was using at the time of my cinema visit were focused on Revelations, particularly chapters 15, 16 and 17. They are full of profoundly disturbing imagery and made me feel very threatened. But my huge comfort can be summed up in the prayer of Hank and Cathy Potts (authors the study notes): “Our Father, thank you for the bowl of wrath you poured out on Jesus at Calvary, allowing us to go free. Amen.” The price has been paid. We are safe in God’s loving arms where no evil can hurt or harm us.

As we begin this New Year we should hug ourselves with joy: the waiting is over; the baby has been born; the light has come to dispel the darkness. Emanuel is here.

God bless, Jackie.