We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy Perfect Light

Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia, Earth to heav’n replies

(John Henry Hopkins Jr 1857)

Matthew 2: 10-12
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

Gracious God, as we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and remember the precious gifts brought by the Magi; gold, frankincense and myrrh, gifts fit for a King, we reflect upon the majesty of Jesus, our Saviour King. Through the gift of Your son Jesus Christ, through His living, His teaching, His words and His acts of love, you have assured us of a world where peace and hope may become a present reality for all people, where love can bring light into our lives. And so, as we put away our Christmas lights on this most difficult of Januarys, help us to remember that the light of Your Son, Jesus, continues to shine, and that His light and the gift of His love cannot be extinguished. On this 12th night of Christmas, as we gaze upon the star that shone over the place where Jesus was born, may we feel the assurance of Your presence with us this day. May we feel the assurance of Your light shining brightly to guide us and to shine light into the dark places of our world. Lord God, this Epiphany may you reveal to us Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

Romans 8:38-39
‘For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Gracious God of heaven and earth, as we enter a further period of lockdown we pray for ourselves and our communities today. We remember especially those whose isolation is compounded by the restrictions, those who are vulnerable and must return to shielding in their homes. We remember too our children who will return to home educating, and staff who will be working hard to resource this provision. Lord, in these times of separation from loved ones, friends, work colleagues and neighbours, we remember the promise You have given us that there is nothing in all of creation, not even Covid 19, that can separate us from Your love. You offer us a love that never fails. And so, in our time of vulnerability, please help us to trust in Your promise, to be assured of Your presence and please help us to continue to reach out and care for one another. This day, may the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon us and give us His peace. Amen.

I hope that you have been able to enjoy and share together a peaceful and Holy Easter.

Times are challenging just now for us all so please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help in any way; sometimes just a quick chat can be all we need to brighten our day.

How blessed we are to have our Faith. Please find attached two activities that you may wish to embrace with your family together.

On your daily walk (or even indoors), collect some items that you can make a mini prayer garden with. A paper plate, an egg box, anything will do. Just add things, that you collect and say thank you to God for all that he has created for you.

Pray outdoors with chalks and bubbles. Use chalks to create your own family prayer picture. Draw your home and family, you can even cut out people using paper and add them to your picture. Include the names of people you’d like to pray for. Blow bubbles and send a prayer as each bubbles floats away, or even shout out loud the name of someone who is helping you everyday.

Pray together… God of all Creation, open our eyes to your wonders around us. Help us to embrace a bit of mess, that we might lead children to the beauty, peace and joy that exist in your amazing world.

With love and blessings to you all.

Cathy Family and Schools worker.