By Revd Robin Fox, Superintendent, Rossendale Circuit
Reading: Luke 2 v. 10
Notes:
I am writing this with news of the knife attack on a train near Huntingdon filling our TV screens and newspapers. Also, here in Rossendale, the local news also concerns a stabbing of a young man on a street in Bacup.
No doubt whenever I chose to write this there would be bad news to comment upon, but these do seem to be particularly troublesome at the moment.
Yet when the angels appear to the shepherds, they bring good news which will be for all people (Luke 2:10). The good news of the birth of Jesus and the message of Emmanuel, God is with us means that we do have good news to share, good news to help us through the troubling times, whether that’s something nationally or internationally, or more local, even personal.
Wonder:
Whatever we may be going through, are we able to find Good News in the message of Christmas?
As we celebrate this good news for all people, how are we able to share it with our neighbours?
Prayer:
Emmanuel, God with us,
We thank-you for your birth among us which brought good news to the shepherds and still brings good news to us and all the world.
In our troubled times, help us to be still and hear the angel song again.
May the peace of the Prince of Peace fill our hearts, that they may sing of this Good news for all people.
In the name of the babe of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen