Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. Two posts joined as one

Owing to us taking a Christmas break, this week we have two articles from Jane. The first is called Open Arms.

When any of our family come to visit us, we normally rush from the house to the driveway to ‘welcome them with open arms.’ The grandchildren are often welcomed with a wide hug or picked up with a swirl around in the air-depending on their size of course. When each of the newborns arrived, we made sure that we visited, either hospital or home, and welcomed each one into our arms with great joy. It is a delight to welcome a new baby into the family.

For Simeon, his welcoming of the eight-day old infant Jesus, was a very significant event. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen with his own eyes the Lord’s Messiah. ‘Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required, Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God.’ Luke 2 v 27-28

Simeon took the eight-day old baby into his arms, holding him with arms of love and welcome, and again by the Holy Spirit spoke powerful prophetic words, and words of blessing, over the child and Mary, His mother. Simeon praised His God and blessed the young family. “Lord,” he said, “now I can die content! For I have seen Him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Saviour you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and He will be the glory of your people Israel!” Joseph and Mary just stood there, marvelling at what was being said about Jesus.

Luke 2 v 29-33

For many individuals and families, 2024 has been a challenging year, but as we look forward to a new year, with whatever it may hold for us, we can be assured that God is faithful and that He holds us securely. He is our refuge, and He does not just hold us in His arms, but He carries us close to His heart.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33 v 27

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart: He gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40 v 10-11

Then Jesus placed a little child among them; and taking the child in his arms He said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming my Father who sent me!” Mark 9 v 36-37

And Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10 v 16

So, he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15 v 20

A Blessing
Bless all who worship You, from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same. Of Your goodness, give us; with Your love, inspire us, by Your spirit guide us; by Your power, protect us; in Your mercy receive us now and always. AMEN

(An Ancient Collect)

And the second is… Planting Peace

I am very poor at growing anything green. It might be seeds, houseplants, plants for the garden or vegetables. I can succeed with cress and hardy perennials such as lavender, but little else. My father was a member of a horticultural society, and we had a garden and a large allotment which we looked after every weekend, but I am afraid that I did not absorb his many gardening skills. But I am encouraged to be a planter of peace. Our world is a very troubled place and, in 2024 on our screens we have witnessed wars, disasters, heartaches, mental health crises in our young people and much more. So, as we enter a new year, may we endeavour to be planters of peace, whether we feel capable, skilled or woefully inadequate. May we offer love, joy, gentleness, along with peace, as we connect with others in our everyday. Help us to share the peace of the Prince of Peace.

A Prayer for Planting Peace

(In the style of the prayer of St Francis of Assisi)

By Lizzie Ojo Martens

Lord as I reflect on the challenges present within my community

As well as my own lived experience,

I ask that you make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is division, let me sow unity.

Where there is stigma, belonging.

Where there is unfamiliarity, awareness.

Where there is sorrow, joy.

Where there is silence or shame, light.

Where there is isolation, inclusion and companionship.

Where there is hopelessness, hope.

O Divine Counsellor, grant that I may not so much seek to be comforted, but to comfort others

And to speak, as to listen.

For it is in giving that we receive,

And it is in your presence that we find peace.

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace
    will never end. Isaiah 9 v 6-7 NLT

In John 14 v 27 Jesus offers His shalom’ peace. He ‘bequeaths’’ His peace. Just as a rich person would bequeath property or something valuable to someone else, the peace of Jesus is bequeathed to us Jesus offers wholeness, completeness, soundness of spirit, soul and body, and wellbeing. This is His gift to us. Let us share this gift.

SONG

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Songwriters: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

Jane Coates, 23rd and 30th of December 2024.

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