Contrary to the gathering words offered on page 6 of ROOTS Adult & All Age this week, Christmas is not yet over. Twelfth Night (Epiphany) is tomorrow and Gospel reading suggested for today is the story at the heart of the Epiphany, and the description of the three well-known gifts (incidentally the reason why we talk of three Magi). Matthew’s addition to Isaiah’s list (see ROOTS AAA, page 7) – myrrh – seems a strange gift for a new-born child. With the advantage of hindsight we understand it to point to a death on a cross. But what gifts might we offer for this New Year? And to what might those gifts point?

This week's news

In his New Year message, the Archbishop of Canterbury has challenged people this year ‘to try and emulate Nelson Mandela and change the world around them’.

And the much-praised film of Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom opens on 3 January. Idris Elba, the London-born actor featured over Christmas on Profile on BBC  plays the central role. 

For many around the world, this will be a year for marking the outbreak of the First World War. Politically, for us in the UK, 2014 will surely be a year when our news will increasingly be dominated by the election due in 2015. Elsewhere in the world so many places of conflict remain that few ever reach our news. Over Christmas conflict in the Caucasus, in the Central African Republic, and in South Sudan have been in the news and talks to resolve ‘unresolved issues’ in Northern Ireland have come to an end with no clear outcome. 

Reflection

Would gold, frankincense and myrrh make sense as gifts to a modern child? What gifts might modern wise men bring into our troubled world, into our nation and into our local community? Several charities now offer alternative gifts which go to people in need. Have you ever sent any such gifts – or received them? If so, what did you make of a gift which was for someone else?

When the congregation I was in last Sunday was asked about gifts received, one person spoke of improving health rather than of Christmas gifts narrowly defined. Could there be a lesson in such a response? Many of us will have offered gifts for the local food bank especially in this season. Reflect on the significance of those gifts, usually to people we do not know, and on those who manage their distribution to people in need.

Reflect on the difference between gifts that are personal (like the proverbial socks or ties for men) and those that are intended to be shared (such as chocolates, perhaps). Were the gifts brought by the wise men personal or intended to be shared? What gifts might those affected by the flooding and power cuts over Christmas most appreciate this year? And what gifts might those in places of conflict most appreciate this year? Reflecting on the work of Nelson Mandela, in the light of the new film, how might we help to offer the gift of peace in Northern Ireland, in Syria, in South Sudan, in Israel/Palestine or in any other area of conflict?

Prayer

A brief theme prayer on gifts for use in place of the collect or to sum up the intercessions:

God who comes to us as gift,  help us to understand how we can use all your gifts, material and spiritual, in your service.
Amen.

In your intercessions remember:

• those for whom there was no Christmas or no gifts; 

• those in conflict zones;

• those dependent on food banks;

• those who were alone this Christmas;

• those who used Crisis at Christmas centres or similar facilities but may now be back on the streets; and

• those for whom Christmas is, for whatever reason, a sad time.

Questions

• What is your response to Archbishop Welby’s challenge ‘to try and emulate Nelson Mandela and change the world’ around you?

• Think about the gifts you received this Christmas and how you will use them in the New Year. Ask members of the group what gifts they have received recently and how they will use them. 

• This is a time of year when people are often challenged to make New Year resolutions. What will yours be? And are they strictly personal or things to be shared with others?

Action

Consider going to see the film Long Walk to Freedom when it comes to your area (all the initial showings seem to be in the London area) – or read (or re-read) the book. Then ask yourself what you might learn from the example of Nelson Mandela’s life and what you can do to emulate his example and change the world around you. If you can, go with others and discuss this question afterwards.

Young People

In the light of the example of the wise men, consider what gift you could each offer to those close to you, to your community or even to your country in 2014; and decide how you are going to do it.

Dudley Coates is a Local Preacher in the North Dorset Methodist Circuit and a former Vice President of the Methodist Conference.

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