THE SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
2nd January 2026
Greetings from Derbyshire where the New Year has begun bright and cold. Conditions are in tune with the season, an encouragement to sustain our celebration of the great mystery of the The Word made Flesh throughout the remaining days of Christmas and into the forthcoming season of Epiphany.
I'm sure that many will also be pondering New Year resolutions, preoccupied with the thought of how to live a better life and employing the benefit of accrued experience and worldly wisdom to that end. As we do so it's important to dwell on the Christmas and Epiphany story as it reminds us that there is a higher wisdom still, the wisdom of God which, born in poverty, crying helplessly in a manger, and dying on a cross appears to the wise of this world as foolishness, an empty deceit. In Matthew's gospel the kings from the east signify the wealth and wisdom of the world bowing in humble adoration before this extraordinary revelation of the wisdom of God. And this Wisdom is not primarily apprehended by the intellect but received by the heart in an attitude of humility and thanksgiving.
Whatever life's circumstances at the beginning of this New Year we are reminded that living well, within the possibilities that each day affords, necessitates the spirit of thanksgiving, praise and service, and an attitude of humility and wonderment. With those thoughts in mind I've copied below an old hymn, Father, let me dedicate .... which always speaks to me at this season. I hope it speak to you as well.
May the peace of the Christ-child be with you,
Charles Booth
The Pew Sheet with notices and readings is attached. Please note that the principal Epiphany Eucharist will be at St. Mark's on Wednesday at 10.00am. Seasonal refreshments will follow the service.
Father, Let Me Dedicate
Hymn Lyrics
Father, let me dedicate, all this year to Thee,
In whatever worldly state Thou wilt have me be:
Not from sorrow, pain or care, freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer, glorify Thy Name.
Can a child presume to choose where or how to live?
Can a Father’s love refuse all the best to give?
More Thou givest every day than the best can claim
Nor withholdest aught that may glorify Thy Name.
If in mercy Thou wilt spare joys that yet are mine;
If on life, serene and fair, brighter rays may shine;
Let my glad heart, while it sings, Thee in all proclaim,
And, whate’er the future brings, glorify Thy Name.
If Thou callest to the cross, and its shadow come,
Turning all my gain to loss, shrouding heart and home;
Let me think how Thy dear Son to His glory came,
And in deepest woe pray on, “Glorify Thy Name.”
Further contributions to the Blessing Bin for the Community Larder and donations of underwear (new), toiletries and sanitary products for rough sleepers would be most welcome.
If you would like to be added to the email list to receive the weekly information, please complete the form by clicking HERE