What a year this has been for us! 

We gradually had covid restrictions removed and tried to return to some form of normality, many continuing to grieve for family members lost to covid, medical staff exhausted in under resourced health services, and for others adjusting to working in an office again or in a new hybrid arrangement. 

While this was happening, yet another horrendous war was started as Ukraine was invaded by Russia. We sought to welcome those who had to flee while we have been dealing with a dreadful housing shortage, homelessness and now we are in a cost of living crisis.

In September, Queen Elizabeth II died after reigning for 70 years. I was delighted by the way in which her faith in God was openly recognised. It was so moving for me to be at her funeral service and be reminded that 70 years earlier, she pledged to serve God and her subjects in the same Abbey.

We have come through an extraordinary year in many ways with so many changes. The Queen lived through many changes in her life, and her faith in God remained unshakeable.

God has been faithful to us, He has walked with us as we dealt with all of the above and so much more in our individual lives. He is with us and in us, as we help each other deal with the changes, struggles and difficulties around us, and He calls us to reach out in his name to others: 

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink I was a stranger and you invited me in…”

I love the fact that Jesus became one of us, and therefore understands and empathises with us.

“For he is our Childhood’s pattern,
day by day like us he grew,
He was little, weak and helpless,
tears and smiles like us he knew;
And he feeleth for our sadness,
And he shareth in our gladness.”

(Once in Royal David’s City – Public Domain)

We celebrate God’s lavish love for us at Christmas as He sent Jesus to live among us.

As we look forward to the New Year, in our Methodist tradition, we begin with a Covenant Service which will be on RTÉ on the 1st January. In that service we offer ourselves to wholeheartedly serve God in any and every way we can throughout the year as we pray the prayer beginning with the words: 

“I am no longer my own but yours, your will, not mine, be done in all things…”

God bless you as you celebrate Jesus’ birth and as you enter a new year, may you welcome Him to allow Him to be your guiding light.

David

Rev David Nixon
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland