The Light that walks with us
The story of the three kings is a story of light and longing. From distant lands they set out, guided by a bright, unwavering star — a light strong enough to cut through the darkness and draw them onward to Christ. That star no longer shines in the night sky as it once did, yet the deeper truth of Epiphany remains: we are still people who are drawn by light. We also really need The Light in our lives.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom then shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
This is not the confidence of those who know the whole route, but of travellers who trust the light that goes with them.
The image above holds this together. Alongside the ancient scene of the Magi following the star, you can see a simple plug-in night light. That was the night light in the place we stayed last week visiting my mum. Plugged in on the corridor, glowing softly, it was there to keep darkness at bay. Even more wonderfully, the torch part could be picked up, and carried — a light to take with you on your journey along the corridor.
Perhaps that is the Epiphany gift for us. Christ is not only a distant star to admire, but a living light who walks with us. As we step into this new year, may we know God’s presence with us — the light of the world carried into every place our journey takes us.
Revd Tom
Seeing in the New Year
Seeing in the New Year may have taken different forms for each of us: the Big Ben chimes and fireworks on TV, fireworks in your own back garden, or perhaps simply an early night and a quiet, faithful hope placed in the God who walks with us.
Grace Community celebrated the turn of the year with members of our church family, sharing joy and thanksgiving together. My heartfelt thanks go to Revd Kausar for her faithfulness and generosity over the whole Christmas season — leading services on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, as well as on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Your ministry among us is such a blessing, and we are deeply grateful.
While we were away, I received a number of enquiries about New Year’s Eve services, which has prompted some gentle wondering about what the transition into 2027 — and how we mark it together — might look like for us as a church community.
For now, though, let me simply say this: on behalf of our whole team here at St James' and St Edmund’s, Happy New Year to you all!
May the year ahead be one in which we know God’s presence, guidance, and grace with us every step of the way.
What's on at a Glance?
Readings we share across all our services: Isaiah 60.1-6, Psalm 72.10-15, Matthew 2.1-12
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Simple Morning Worship - 9.30am St Edmund's
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10.30am Communion at St Edmund's and St James'
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4pm Grace Community Urdu Church
Monday
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9.30 Prayers at St Edmund's
Tuesday
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Morning Prayer 9.30 at St James'
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Place of Welcome 10am at St James'
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Iona's Research Project Conversation
Wednesday
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Coffee Morning 10.30am at St Edmund's
Thursday - New Years Day
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Grieving Together Cafe 11.30am at St James'
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The Chosen Bible Study is back - meets at Carol's House at 7.30pm as a New Year Special.
Readings we share across all our services: Isaiah 42.1-9, Psalm 29, Matthew 3.13-end
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9.30am Short Communion at St Edmund's
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10.30am All Age Celebration at St Edmund's and Communion at St James'
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4pm Grace Community Urdu Church
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4.30pm Cafe Church at St James
Advance Notices
Joint PCC meet on Monday 12th January 7.30pm at St Edmund's. Save the date and papers will be sent out the week before.
Keep up to date at any time by checking our calendar - click here>>
Prayer Pointers for this Week
10 prayer pointers shaped by Isaiah 60:1–6, Psalm 72:10–15, and Matthew 2:1–12:
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Arise, shine — pray for fresh awakening in your own faith, asking God to help you recognise where Christ’s light is already rising in your life and community (Isaiah 60.1).
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Light in the darkness — hold before God places of conflict, fear, or despair in the world, trusting that God’s glory shines even where darkness feels strong (Isaiah 60.2).
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Drawn by hope — pray for those who are searching for meaning or truth, that they may be gently drawn, like the Magi, toward Christ by signs of hope and love (Matthew 2.2).
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Nations and neighbours — pray for leaders, nations, and communities, that power would be exercised with justice, humility, and care for the vulnerable (Psalm 72.10–14).
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Gifts we bring — reflect on the gifts you carry this year: time, skills, compassion, faith. Offer them to God, asking how they might be used in Christ’s service (Matthew 2.11).
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Joy on the journey — give thanks for moments of joy and reassurance along your path, recognising them as signs of God’s faithful presence (Matthew 2.10).
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Listening hearts — pray for attentiveness to God’s guidance, especially when God leads us by unexpected or unfamiliar routes (Matthew 2.12).
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Justice and peace — pray that Christ’s reign of justice, mercy, and peace would take root in our world, especially among the poor and oppressed (Psalm 72.12–13).
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Church as light — pray for your church, that it may reflect Christ’s light clearly and warmly to those around it, welcoming all who come near (Isaiah 60.3).
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Carrying the light — as the Magi returned home changed, pray that you too may carry Christ’s light into everyday places — work, home, school, and neighbourhood — this week and beyond.