Rector’s New Year Message

‘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.’

These words were spoken by King George VI in his Christmas Day broadcast in 1940- the first of the war. The words were originally the work of a Miss Haskins of Crowborough England.

New Year is traditionally a time when we reflect on the year that is past and look to the year ahead. This can be a time of uncertainty. For better, or worse, the past is a known commodity, and there can be comfort in that which is known. The future on the other hand is unknown, and the unknown can be  frightening.

A prayer in the service of Compline in the Book of Common Prayer reminds us that we should not be anxious about the future.

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we, who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may repose upon thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Life is change and chance, of that much at least we can be certain. One thing however does not change- God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

So whatever this coming year brings, let us take comfort in the promise of God. A promise made two thousand years ago:

 ‘And surely I am with you always to the very  end of the age.’

Matthew 28:20