Shine brightly,

star of God,

and guide our wandering world

to where a prince of Peace is born.

 

Where children wish upon a star

or wise men scan the universe in hope

let your bright beams

surround their dreams

and guide their hesitating feet

to where a miracle is born.

 

Enable each of us

to make a New Year’s journey

leaving behind the prejudices and fears

of yester-year,

embracing a fresh openness

by which we welcome all world pilgrims

whose journeys end in worship and humility.

 

Be a sign today

of mercy and of love

like a rainbow in spring

or the bright summer sun,

and show us how our lives

can include the forgotten and forlorn,

    the grieving and the hurt.

 

And we will offer

to our God

now seen and touched in straw-filled bad 

the best gifts in the world:

our joy, our grief, our life.

 

David Jenkins, minister in the United Reformed Church UK

 

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When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.