Dear Friends,
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”
Matthew 2 1-2
Happy New Year!
I hope you’ve survived Christmas and New Year with your decorations intact, your chocolate supplies not entirely scoffed, and a vague sense of still knowing what day of the week it is even though the past week might feel like a blur!
As we step into a new year, we also arrive at Epiphany 6th January – 12th night is Epiphany Eve – the moment when the 3 Kings finally turn up.
Fashionably late, bearing expensive gifts, and clearly having taken advice from no one about what babies actually need. Still, we’re very glad they came.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Magi whose arrival we celebrate at Epiphany on the 5th January. They weren’t insiders. They didn’t know the hymns, the liturgy, or even the correct address. They went to King Herod’s gaff before eventually finding Jesus.
They simply noticed a star, felt a nudge, and set off. No guarantee of success. Just a sense that something important was happening—and that they should pay attention. That feels rather like church, and rather like life.
As we begin this New Year, many of us are wondering what lies ahead: for our families, our world, and our church.
We may not have a bright star or a clear map, but Epiphany reminds us that God delights in meeting people on the move—people who are curious, hopeful, and willing to travel by faith rather than certainty.
The Kings also discovered something else: God didn’t turn up where they expected. Not in a palace, but in a stable. Not with power, but with vulnerability.
It’s a gentle reminder to us, especially in a busy parish life, that God often shows up quietly—in small acts of kindness, in shared prayer, in the simple faithfulness of turning up.
Why don’t you make a New Year’s resolution to turn up to church? You might find it helps you to navigate this increasingly crazy world we find ourselves inhabiting.
So as we pack away the decorations and face a new year, my prayer is this: that we may keep our eyes open for God’s light, however faint it may seem; that we may be willing to take a different road when necessary; and that we may never lose our sense of wonder—or our sense of humour—along the way.
Our services are every Sunday and Wednesday, always 10am. We hope to see you in your church.
Every blessing for the year ahead.
Reverend Gary
Welcome to Wales Parish Church 