Give my heart.

As I look out of my window I see a wonderfully tranquil rural scene, an attractive stone farmhouse and buildings and all the signs of well-cultivated fields. It all looks unchanged from any of the 24 years I have lived in our friendly village. But all of us know that 2001 has been a year of momentous change, and tragedy. Two events in particular stand out in my memory, both quite unpredictable. First, the return of foot and mouth disease reaching unprecedented levels before being brought under control. How we all prayed for our farmers and were thankful that their cattle were spared. Then the tragedy of 11th September; I wonder how many of us thought we were watching a film called “Armageddon” when we turned on the TV. Surely our hearts have gone out to the thousands of ordinary innocent people caught up in the events in the USA and in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The plight too of so many refugees has reminded us of our blessings and the need to help others.

If any of us were complacent at the beginning of 2001 then by the end of the year this has been replaced by a feeling of uncertainty and vulnerability. For example, how many of us have pondered long and hard before booking a flight? Hopefully, the celebration of Christmas will have helped us look ahead with some sense of renewed optimism. For me, the most helpful occasions were the two Nativity plays so movingly presented to many of us by the boys and girls of our school and church, both lovingly done with a depth of faith that many of us long to share. Our grateful thanks go to their teachers and leaders, and above all, to the children themselves, our promise for the future.

As you read this the Feast of Epiphany on 6th January, the coming of the wise men to find Jesus to present gifts to him will be upon us. How they persevered in their search for him, until they found and worshipped him. In what has been voted recently as the best carol of all “In the bleak mid-winter”, Christina Rossetti reminds us of the only gift we need bring:

“What can I give him, poor as I am ? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part, yet what can I give him: Give my heart.”

May you and your family have a blessed New Year.

With best wishes

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