The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends

I wonder if you have a family Bible at home. If you do it is probably a King James Version of the Bible. This year is the 400th Anniversary of this first authorised translation of the Bible into English. King James 1 of England and V1 of Scotland authorised this Bible in 1611 with the hope of producing a version that would be acceptable to each of the different shades of Christian expression resulting from the English Reformation. The King James Bible is 'a unique monument of scholarship, devotion and imagination.' (Rowan Williams) It has profoundly influenced the English language across the world.

We take it for granted today that we have easy access to a Bible that can be easily read. There are many different translations and versions, including children’s and youth Bibles. There are handbooks and commentaries and numerous other books and articles to help us read and understand our Scriptures. We are very fortunate. Just imagine what it would be like not to have an English Bible. Yet we should also acknowledge that we do not use and celebrate these easily available resources as much as we should .

The King James translation was a great step forwards. Today seventeenth Century language whether in a Bible or in Shakespeare can prove difficult to read and understand, but there are many phrases and poetic passages that are still part of our daily language. For example: The skin of your teeth [Job 19.20] Nimrod [Genesis 10.9] Signs of the times [Matthew 16.3] Chariots of fire [2 Kings 6.17] No peace for the wicked [Isaiah 48.22] My brother’s keeper [Genesis 4.9] Let’s all celebrate this anniversary by rejoicing at the availability of the Bible in English and resolve to make better use of all these wonderful resources. Lent starts on 9th March, instead of thinking of giving something up, why not take up a Bible and read a passage each day. Maybe follow the story of Jesus' life in one of the Gospels so that Easter will come with new insights this year. Happy reading in 2011! Come and step aside with us as we celebrate Christmas in our worship and fellowship together. A very happy Christmas to you all and may Jesus travel with you into the New Year. Love from Bridget

A prayer of thanks for the Bible: God who is beyond words, we thank you for the Bible, translated into many languages, re-written in many different versions, to reach many different audiences. God who is beyond words, we thank you for the Bible, with its stories of your people, its poetry and wisdom, its parables and teaching. God who is beyond words, we thank you for the Bible, as we look to its pages for guidance, for words of comfort and reassurance and for words of challenge and inspiration. May we learn from your word and share your word with others. God who is beyond words, may we read from your living Word in every language, in every time, in every place, your words of hope and life. Amen (Taken from Roots materials)