I have arrived in the Upper Culm Valley Mission Community. Newly licensed as Rector I have been honoured with writing the opening letter for the two Parish Magazines.

Following a Star

My favourite of the Christmas festivals is Epiphany. Often the feast day is missed as people return to work and school, and now for many the Christmas decorations come down almost as soon as the Turkey has been finished up. It is a personal ambition of mine to see it return to favour.

The word Epiphany literally means a revelation, or understanding. The Shepherds who came to visit Jesus the night he was born returned to their flocks singing God’s praises, recognising they had been witnesses to something very special indeed. The Magi (or Wise Men) who travelled for almost two years to see what delights the star had in store for them, were so changed by their experience with the Holy Family they literally left by another way.

In that humble home working class, smelly shepherds, were welcomed at a new-born’s crib, and wealthy foreigners with a different religion were given hospitality. The epiphany for us all as we contemplate these nativity scenes is that Jesus welcomes the outsider.

I feel as if I have been following a star this past year, not knowing where it would lead. I had thought I would be sitting out the rest of the year in Andover whilst my daughter completes her A levels and we are free to move to our cottage elsewhere in Devon; that I would continue my calling through offering Spiritual Direction, leading retreats, and helping out wherever I am needed. God, however, obviously had other plans, and here I am preparing to celebrate Christmas and Epiphany in the Black Down Hills!

Our God is a God of surprises and welcome. I am hoping that God will delightfully surprise you this Christmas and Epiphany.