Gifts that keep giving

Available for 22 days

Good morning. As the Christmas wrapping paper’s gradually being recycled and the novelty socks perhaps get re-gifted to a charity shop, the celebration of giving continues. The Church remembers another gift-giver today: The Welsh priest, poet, hymn writer and thinker, Morris Williams, better known by his bardic moniker - Nicander. In the nineteenth century he served faithfully in parish life, but his real delight was language and theology. Writing in Welsh and English, he shaped poetry, helped to revise the Welsh prayer book, and composed essays and hymns that stretched minds, stirred faith, and gave confidence to others, helping Welsh speakers to find their voice. There’s something gently revolutionary about a local priest offering big ideas through carefully chosen phrases that’ve gradually shaped prayers, thinking and Christian living across generations. Nicander offered what he had — intellect, imagination and faith — and trusted God to help mould and continue his work. Long after his voice fell silent, others found courage, beauty and belief through his words. There’s a wonderful mystery in this; gifts well-used continuing to inspire the talents of succeeding generations. In the afterglow of Christmas, when we may wonder what to do with our gifts, Nicander offers a quiet answer. Use them well. Offer them freely. Leave the rest to God. Even small faithfulness, given in love, can travel far beyond our own lifetime. Generous God, Help us all to notice our gifts and use them well. As we find inspiration through the work of others may we too be encouragers. Amen.