Create a peaceful space to pause, and allow yourself to feel God’s presence alongside you, as near to you as your own breath. In following the reflection below, as a church we will draw closer to God and to one another as we grow in faith and deepen our sense of belonging to God.
Revelation 3: 20 ‘Jesus with Us’
Listen!
I am standing at the door, knocking;
if you hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in to you and eat with you,
and you with me.
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‘Cowboy Carol’
words by Cecil Broadhurst,
music by Malcolm Sargent
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
Where I climb up to my saddle
Gonna take Him to my heart!
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
Right across the prairie,
Clear across the valley,
Straight across the heart of every man,
There’ll be a right new brand of livin’
That’ll sweep like lightnin’ fire
And take away the hate from every land.
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
Where I climb up to my saddle
Gonna take Him to my heart!
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
Yoi, yippee! We’re gonna ride the trail!
Yoi, yippee! We’re gonna ride today!
When I climb up to my saddle,
Gonna take him to my heart!
There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight!
We are hearing people from all walks of life saying that this Christmas will be like ‘none other’ in living memory. Well, that remark got me thinking about memorable Christmas times I have enjoyed. The result was an outstanding one in 1953 when the Royal Choral Society sang this new carol in the Royal Albert Hall for the very first time – written and conducted by Sir Malcolm Sergeant – and I was there!
Various interpretations can be given to the lyrics but the sheer joy of the words ‘There’ll be a new world beginnin’ from tonight’ is one that can be associated with our own Emmanuel Church and indeed, ‘God with Us’ is the foundation of our faith.
As we approach Christmas this year with all its difficulties for family gatherings, and the inability to travel far, we can still celebrate by giving a helping hand to those in need. The joy of Christmas is always a time to celebrate and to take stock, including looking back and looking forward. We can take heart that all may change but Jesus never – to the glory of His Name. That wonderful piece of Revelation 3, and especially verse 20 is never one to forget. So what about you, as you read this? What is your most memorable Christmas? I should like to hear your reply!
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, grant us hope and anticipation as we celebrate Jesus Christ with us, and in our very midst. May we live in the knowledge that Jesus Christ came –
to forgive, to heal, to bring peace, and to make all things new. Amen.
Reflection © 2020 Derek Scott.
Lyrics © Cecil Broadhurst – further details unknown.
Prayer © 2020 Paul Tabraham.
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A printable version of this Daily Devotional can be downloaded from here
All material within this order of worship is reproduced by permission under CCL 1226356