Wednesday Reflection with Hannah

Wednesday Reflection with Hannah

Wednesday Reflection with Hannah

# Reflections

Wednesday Reflection with Hannah

Many of you may have read Rona’s brilliant note in the Merrow Pages that talks about finding and following the light in this new year. Last week we celebrated the feast of epiphany, the time when we remember the dedication, perseverance, and strength of the Magi in their journey to the Christ-child. This journey is often portrayed on our Christmas cards and story books as a simple camel trip across the desert but in reality, we know that these wise men would have endured an exhausting trip with no certainty of what they would find (and narrowly avoided a run in with a murderous king!) It was no easy feat and yet they were enraptured by the light that was calling them. This light was different, pure, light from God calling them forward to the new world. They knew it heralded the arrival of greatness, of love, of hope and were determined to welcome it into their lives. They spent time dedicated to following God’s light knowing it would lead them forward to better things, just as Rona encourages us to do at this time. 

We also shared the liturgy for chalking of houses, a tradition that has been passed down through the ages and one that, like the Magi, sees us dedicate the year ahead, to God and to ask that light and love that we find in God to bless those of us in our homes with his presence all year. Yet it also serves as a challenging reminder to us to ask God to help us to serve him better, to live our lives in service to him; to live his way – all year long. What better year to start this wonderful practice than one that’s begun with a lockdown, a pandemic and media that calls us to fear and panic. Christians all over the world are chalking their doors and asking God to bless their house with his presence. It’s a chance to spend a moment and take stock of what following God looks like, especially now, and how God has promised to be with us always, no matter what lies ahead. 

Just like the wise men on their long and arduous journey, we need perseverance and dedication to following God – especially in the long and difficult stretches, or the times where we struggle to do the right thing. We ask God to be with us, to bless our homes so that we can find safety, comfort and love in them just as the wise men found the very special baby in the arms of Mary. Then we take that blessing out into the world around us.

Strictly speaking chalking the door is done on Epiphany or New Year but I encourage you, whenever you’re reading this, to go and chalk your front door, back door, maybe even your bedroom door if your house sharing. But even if you aren’t chalking anything, spend some time inviting God into your lives for the year ahead, ask him to make his presence felt, and to bless the journey ahead – it may not always be smooth, in fact it may need a lot of perseverance over the months to come but just like those Magi, we can focus on the light. Let it guide us forward to better safe in the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way. 


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