The coming month continues several key feasts marking the early part of Our Lord’s life. On the first Sunday we keep Epiphany, the visit of the Magi or wise men, to the birthplace of Our Lord. This concludes with the first Sunday of February which is Candlemas marking the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple by S. Joseph and Our Lady. The feasts marking the circumcision, in accordance with Jewish custom, and the Baptism of Our Lord fall within the month. The leaving out of a crib scene, be that in Church or at home, throughout the coming month is a reminder that it is only on Christmas day that we begin to mark and celebrate the feast of the Nativity.

The Carol, In the Bleak Midwinter, has the following verse:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

The words of a well-known carol can wash over us in their familiarity. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it is often when engaged with the familiar that one gets an epiphany moment as the deeper meaning comes to the fore. This verse speaks of a prayer for Christmas that is both personal and for our brothers and sisters. The birth of Our Lord was a gift to us, and likewise for those who visited brought gifts and offerings. We also have gifts and offerings to bring in response to the birth of Our Lord and that is of ourselves.

Faith comes to life when it is one that is from the heart. That which is in the heart affects, to some degree, our actions and guides our thinking. It is a prayer and hope that, whilst you and I may not see the fruition, there will be those who come to give of their heart following a visit to one of our Churches over the Advent and Christmas period. As we rejoice in His coming and His early life over this next month, keep in prayer the manifesting of God’s unseen work among our brothers and sisters near and far.

Please God, let it be that the Blessed Saints, most particularly Our Lady, continue to pray for us!

Fr. David