Weekly reflection

5th January 2021

 

Reflection for 'Twelfth Night'

Today is going to be a stressful and challenging day. There are a number of reasons for this including the new lockdown with virtually everything closed - church included (apart from funerals). Today is also the end of the Christmas season - the twelfth night.

The most stressful bit  of twelfth night is getting the decorations down with each placed in the right box and returned to the attic. And getting the tree outside without leaving a mass of pine needles to get trampled through the house! To this can be added two additional risk factors - two young lively and mischievous dogs and my 'other half' Alison who is currently immobilised due to a broken ankle.

But the end of Christmas poses an additional challenge. It is to take the sparkle of the season and make it a reality for each and every day. Not to leave 'baby Jesus' as a cute ornament in the manger secured with bubble-wrap and safely stowed away in the attic, but to open our hearts and place Him at the centre of our lives.

Rev Sean Swindells
Cruden Parish Church

Prayer

Holy Jesus,
by being born one of us,
and lying humbly in a manger,
you show how much God loves the world.
Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts,
until we reach our home in heaven,
and see you on your throne of glory.
Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ,
your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:
accept our heartfelt praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our eternal God.
Amen.

Loving Jesus,
you were born in a stable but worshipped by the angels.
Be with all who are lonely,
and with all who feel distant from celebrations.
Be for us a living hope that lightens their hearts.
Amen.

Jesus, as you healed the sick,
bring healing to those in our families who are ill today.
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.
Christ born for us,
Son of God, given for us,
help us to know you,
to worship and to serve you.
Amen.

The kings, Lord,
brought myrrh, frankincense, and gold.
Lord, we have nothing of our own to bring;
we bring you what you have given:
our lives for your life.
Amen.

Jesus, Saviour, son of Mary,
you know us and love us,
you share our lives
and hear our prayer.
Glory to you for ever.
Amen.

May God, who has called us out of darkness
into his marvellous light,
bless us and fill us with peace.
Amen.