Rev Canon Simon Ward Team Rector, Great Yarmouth Team Ministry, and Rural Dean
As January sets upon us, we soon meet the three wise men as they arrive to worship the new-born King. There has been a long journey, bringing them from far distant lands guided by a star which somehow stirred their hearts and minds so that they knew they could not ignore it or sit still. Maybe some of you will have made journeys over the Christmas period and I do hope they went smoothly for you. Some of you may have had guests travel to visit you. Whatever journeys may have featured over the Christmas period they are likely to have been substantially easier than the journey of the Magi The wise men, Magi from the east, have followed the star in hope and devotion but we often forget what happened to them next as they chose to return home by a different route having been prompted by divine wisdom. After meeting the Christ Child, they are warned in a dream that King Herod is best avoided so they sneak around the back way finding another route home. It is seemingly a small decision but of course to have let Herod know the whereabouts of the Holy Family could’ve been a fatal error. Fortunately, nothing can upset God‘s plan A New Year brings all sorts of hopes, dreams and possibilities. But just like the wise men couldn’t return the same way they had come, we too know that our plans for the coming year may not always be plain sailing. There will be things which make us stop and rethink then readjust our route planner. The New Year offers us an invitation laden with choices about what we do As we begin 2025 let us seek wisdom to discern the best routes we should seek. May we be open to the possibility of change and trust in God‘s goodness to lead us along the best paths
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