The visit of the “Wise Men” or Magi to the crib of Jesus is often marked as part of our Christmas celebrations. However, in our Church calendar their visit is marked separately and distinctively after the twelve days of Christmas. The visit of the Magi, Christ’s Epiphany, reveals the true nature of the child of the manger. He is God’s own Son, the fulfilment of God’s promises. The Magi bring their gifts and come to worship Him. On January 6th we celebrate Epiphany - the manifestation of Christ to the world.
The bringing of our gifts to God in worship is therefore rooted in the very first Epiphany of Christ. The Magi brought Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, but they also made a great sacrifice in undertaking their long journey to worship the new born King. My hope in 2008 at St Margaret’s is that we can promote further this theme of bringing our gifts to God, particularly in worship.
We are truly fortunate at St Margaret’s to stand in a tradition where the very best of gifts is brought and presented in the worship of Almighty God. Our benefactors invested heavily in a place of worship of outstanding beauty. Still today we seek to present the most precious gifts of “craftsmen’s art and music’s measure.” Like the Magi we are not afraid to offer some of our most valued and unique materials to worship our incarnate Lord.
Amongst our congregation we are pleased to welcome people with truly outstanding God-given gifts: instrumentalists, artists, carers, choristers, administrators and writers to name but a few. These gifts are presented as part of our offering in life to God and in these gifts we too see Him made manifest.
My hope for 2008 is that we can particularly foster these gifts amongst our children and young people. Firstly, we are to begin this year by launching a new junior choir, “Cant and Dec”, for children aged 7-11 who will lead our singing each week at the 9.30am service. This new choir will rehearse in Church on Friday evenings between 6.30pm and 7.30pm when there will be an opportunity for vocal coaching, singing games and musical fun. Do speak to me or to my wife, Susan, if you would like to know more. We hope that our first rehearsal will be on Friday, January 11th so please come along if your children would be interested in joining us.
Secondly, I hope that if there are young musicians who would like to join the music group and play on a Sunday morning they will feel able to come too. We can provide music in advance for practise. If you know older children who would like to become part of this group please encourage them to speak to me or to a member of the music group.
Thirdly, we are also looking for new servers to join our growing serving teams both at the 9.30am service and 10.30am service. We have children as young as five serving as well as those who have ceased to count their age! You are very welcome to join us whatever stage of life you may be at. This is another way we can offer ourselves in worship. All necessary training will be given!
I pray in 2008 that we may continue to build up the Body of Christ through the devotion and worship that we offer, and may the many and varied gifts that we bring in worship assist in making Him manifest today.
A Happy New Year to you all!
With my very good wishes
Yours sincerely