WPCU is traditionally celebrated between January 18 and January 25 – originally the octave of St Peter and St Paul.
The story of the Magi visiting the Holy Family in Bethlehem is a very familiar one. The Magi have sometimes been seen as a symbol of the world’s diversity – different religions and cultures – that come to pay homage to the Christ-child. The story might therefore represent the unity of all created that God desires.
The materials for WPCU 2022 has been prepared by the churches of the Middle East, the history of which was, and still is, characterised by conflict and strife, tainted with blood and darkened by injustice and oppression. The Christians of the Middle East offer these resources conscious that the world shares many of the travails and much of the difficulties that it experiences, and yearns for a light to lead the way to the Saviour who is the light that overcomes darkness.
Resources – including daily reflections and an example order of service – are available for download. There will be no printed resources for 2022.
Find more information about WCPU on the Churches Together in Britain & Ireland website. And follow updates on Twitter using the hashtag #wpcu2022
Photo credit: Original photo of Nablus (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Dr. Michael Loadenthal