Happy New Year, to all of you, and thanks be to God who walks with us into this new year!
I have been thinking about the 12 days of Christmas this week, as today, 4th January, is the 11th day of Christmas! (According to tradition, the 12 days begin on the 25th ofDecember and end on the 5th of January – before Epiphany or Three Kings Day.) So, happy ‘eleven pipers piping’ day to you as well!
But I have been thinking about the song in the context of the past 12 months, and the gifts God – our truest love and truest lover – has given to us as a congregation in that time. So, I have attempted a little song of my own with the church personified as the ‘me’ in the lyrics!
In the first month of 22, my true love gave to me,
SMAD led again by Ally and Penny!
In the second month of 22, my true love gave to me,
Baptist values to value, and… (you know how the song works!)
In the third month of 22, my true love gave to me,
the life of Bev to treasure…
In the fourth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
two new staff members (one with baby!)…
In the fifth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
a chance to give in thanksgiving…
In the sixth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
a delicious curry fundraiser (and new office manager)…
In the seventh month of 22, my true love gave to me,
the opening of Yarra Rossa…
In the eighth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
a newly formed diaconate…
In the ninth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
a challenge about global hunger…
In the tenth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
a caring community…
In the eleventh month of 22, my true love gave to me,
exciting ‘new steps’ into mission…
In the twelfth month of 22, my true love gave to me,
the promise that God is with us!
Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” May God’s counsel, strength, faithful presence, and peace be with us as we begin this new year.
Who can guess what our true love will give us in 2023?