News – Page 13

From the Epperstone , Gonalston , Oxton  and Woodborough Churches’ Benefice.

Goodbye 2021, Welcome 2022

I would like to start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year. I hope you have had a special Christmas under what has again been difficult and challenging times, but our sights are now firmly set on 2022 and all it will hold for each of us.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So, I went forth, and finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the East.

The above poem was quoted by King George VI in his 1939 war time Christmas broadcast to the British Empire. Entitled the “Gate of the Year” written by Minnie Louise Haskins it spoke to those who heard it then in all of life’s difficult and dangerous situations and as we read it today it seems just as relevant.

I don’t know how you saw in 2022 but the above poem is one maybe we can all identify with in some way. We are all stepping once again into the unknown, we have no idea what is ahead of us, more than likely difficult and dangerous situations. Uncertain times but it is a great reminder that God is with us. Emmanuel. It is a good opportunity to consider how we left 2021, the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love culminating in the light of Christ entering the world and how we can take that forward into this New Year of 2022.

In the poem “it says give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” At the start of a New Year, it is a good time to be reminded Jesus is that light. The light and the hope and that His peace passes all understanding, and His hand is outstretched to everyone.

As we pack away our Christmas decorations, safely wrap our Nativity Scenes away remember the light of Christ will stay strong, it will continue to shine. Christ didn’t stay a baby he lived on earth experiencing difficulties, dangerous situations and challenges but came alongside people, talked to them, enabling them, bringing His strength to them, and loving each of them unconditionally. His light shone constantly despite knowing what was to come for Himself. His hope stood the test of time. Darkness could not and cannot consume it.

So, as we move into 2022 this is our prayer that more and more will know His light in their lives and know His peace comfort and joy in their hearts. May you and all your loved ones experience this and may His blessings surround you always. We also pray for all those we know who just need that extra touch of His comfort surrounding them at this time.

God Bless from Annie Hill – Children and Families Worker and LLM Reader and all at St Swithuns and each of the Churches in the Benefice.

Please see below our Services for January please note they may be subject to change.

For details of other events please watch out for Late News on the Woodborough Web as dates are fixed.