Binbrook Group of Parishes

Service Times January 2012

Binbrook

Ludford

Wold Newton

Swinhope

CONFESSIONS

After any Weekday Service or by appointment.

BAPTISMS, CHURCHINGS, WEDDINGS, & FUNERALS

By arrangement with the Rector

The Rector's Letter for the current month:

The Rectory, Binbrook  

Dear Friends,

We are in the middle of celebrating the most incredible event in the history of the world. Just over two thousand years ago God himself as an example of his sublime love for the creation he had made, decided to be born as one of us. He became incarnate as the baby Jesus lying on a bed of straw in a mean stable. The stable was the only place available as there was. 'no room at the Inn'. I wonder if we have made room for God in our homes and celebrations this Christmas? Even if we have not, there is still time for Christmas lasts until the Feast of the Epiphany on 6th. January - The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Epiphany is a time when we are reminded of the response to God's love in becoming incarnate amongst us. The Epiphany story is that of the three Wise Men or Kings who journeyed from the East following the star they had seen in the sky. The star seemed to rest over the town of Bethlehem and the Wise Men or Kings inquired where the newborn king was to be found. They called at the King's palace, but eventually found Jesus with Mary and Joseph - in the stable.

The story of Epiphany continues with the Wise Men or Kings, 'falling down and worshipping the new born king'. This is the clue to the response we should show to God's love in being born as man. The response should be one of worship and adoration.

A great deal follows on from our belief in the Incarnation. First of all our worship. The great Epiphany hymn, 'O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness', tells us our worship should be full of beauty. That is why great Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas were built. Only the very best of human endeavour should be offered to God. In the liturgy the best clothes or vestments and the finest music are to be used.

Those who talk of worship having to be relevant or contemporary or enjoyable make a great mistake. Worship is for God - not man. If we see our worship as a response to the love of God shown in the Incarnation then we understand this. If we do not understand the Incarnation then we ask for relevance, enjoyment and so on - we do not understand worship is for God - not ourselves.

The buildings we use for worship also reflect our understanding of the Incarnation. The great 'cathedrals' today are follies like the Millennium Dome or skyscrapers devoted to commerce and industry. Many new churches are little better than sheds or garages. Are we really offering the best of our modern endeavours to God in response to His great love two thousand years ago?

The Wise Men really were wise in that they understood the Incarnation and the correct response required. They offered costly gifts - not what was close to hand. The Wise Men bowed down and worshipped the baby Jesus. Epiphany is a time when we can try to respond in a correct way to the Incarnation.           

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!

Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,

Kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name!

                                                             Yours sincerely,

                Father Walker.

     Churches             Home