Words from Bede Circuit

Dear Friends,                                                                          

Hope you’re keeping well and safe.

                                             Matthew Ch2 v11

Earlier this month we celebrated the feast of Epiphany when the Magi visited Jesus and were the first gentiles to visit the incarnate God. They offered him gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. 

We all have gifts to offer God. Perhaps we haven`t much gold lying around at home and the supermarket may be right out of Frankincense, but the small acts of kindness that we offer to each other in the name of Jesus are as precious to him as the Magi`s costly gifts. I am not referring to monetary gifts but of simple kindnesses which can mean so much to people. I recently heard the story of a woman from a little chapel who made fantastic corned beef pies, at the weekly coffee morning she would give two to someone – not to sell on the famous Methodist cake stall, but as a gift of love. Isn`t that kind!

Does Jesus need our material gifts? No, his love for us is so immense – love so amazing so divine. He doesn`t love one more than the other because their prayers are longer, or they put more money on the collection plate. Jesus loves us because he does `warts and all`. But he has given us gifts to share with others and those are the gifts that Christ wants and the Church needs. Those gifts are to be used for others, used for the good of others, used for the people we see on the street, and especially those who need them the most.

`Take my silver and my gold,

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as thou shalt choose.

Frances Ridley Havergal ` (1836-79)

Circuit morning prayers continue on Wednesday mornings on Zoom, contact the minister for login details.

With good wishes and prayers

Revd Huw Sperring

On behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team