1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.

Gracious God, as the first full week of the new year draws to a close, we reflect upon its highs and its lows, its challenges and its achievements. We have witnessed covid cases rise, civil unrest overseas, amidst vaccines given, new treatments discovered and great acts of kindness in the community. There may have been times when we have felt very alone and other times when someone has reached into our solitude. There may have been times when we have felt anxious and times when we have felt reassured. But amidst all the emotions and events of the week Lord, we know that You have been present with us, at all times and in all places. We have witnessed Your love in the world in the compassion shown to others in their hour of need. We have witnessed the beauty of Your creation as the sun has shone through to shine upon the ice and snow, a symbol of warmth amidst the cold. We may have put the Christmas lights away this week Lord, but the message of Your Son Jesus, the baby who brought hope into our world through His death and resurrection remains ever present. Through His life we are given the hope that continues to affirm Your everlasting love for us, whatever the tribulations and challenges of daily living. And so, we take a moment once more to pause and give thanks for the gift of Jesus. May He be a living presence in our lives and may our hearts be filled with the hope and peace that He gifted to us, as we continue to walk with Him, this day and in the days to come, Amen.