A New Year Message from Dom

We, Three Kings of the Orient Are, by John Henry Hopkins (1820 – 1891) is a much loved carol we sing in December- but it’s actually an Epiphany carol.
This feast is known in the US as Three Kings Day – and as the title says, it celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the Christ child.

It has a wonderful chorus: “O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!

2019 has been quite a rough and tumble year, certainly if we look at the political landscape. Sometimes it felt like there was little to unite us – and yet on closer examination, this isn’t necessarily the case.

Have you ever wished to be guided by a light – a wondrous star clearly shining on your path? As we know, on occasions life can be bruising and complex decisions come our way,

The thornier the issue, the more we may find ourselves grappling with grey areas where it seems there is little black and white clarity to be found. That bright star becomes highly desirable, but it can be a little elusive. Many of us have been there – something we share as people.

In the church we talk about Christ as our guide. In a time of crisis, the inspiration of Christ’s teaching may be our compass – and whether it’s westward pointing or which ever direction, an inner light may shine on a clear path before us.

In 2020, I hope you find a star to guide you through the turbulence of highs and lows – and that you manage to embrace both – all part of what is to be a full human being.

Reproduced by kind permission of the Helensburgh Advertiser, from the 27 December 2019 edition.