Scripture: 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ (Luke 3:21-22) Reflection:As if the baptisms of John the Baptist weren’t special enough, today was a truly extraordinary day. Jesus is baptised along with many others by his cousin John who has come to prepare the way. Then God’s voice is heard by all, praising and thanking Jesus very publicly, as well as acknowledging that he is His son. At this point in Jesus’ life he hasn’t started his teaching or miracle work, so why is God pleased with him? A different translation of the voice of God says: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” (Message). Jesus received praise from his Father, who is proud of him. He has been baptised and can now show people the Way in earnest. There is no doubt from this moment who Jesus is or belongs to, or how much he is loved. God shares this love with all of us, and we are truly blessed to receive it. This is the first part of the Good News story that we have the privilege to share today. Victoria Bray
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 5th January - Epiphany - and for the week ahead:Scripture: 'In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?'' (Matt 2.1-2) Reflection:The birth of Mary’s baby would never have gained a place in history if it had not been for the few short years in which as an adult Jesus had not overturned the tables. The gospel records of angels, shepherds and wise men (Magi) appear to be a mixture of family memory with ah-ha reflections from readings of the prophecies in the Jewish scriptures. How much of the stories we have heard about the (three?) wise men (kings?) is historical fact is a matter of individual judgment, but the powerful truth is that the world was transformed by Jesus, and it is symbolised brilliantly by an innocent baby being sought out by wise men of very different cultures, and a poor family visited by rich rulers. If we have come to hope for political leaders who will seek the common good rather than their own advantage, we have Mary’s baby to thank.David Harmsworth
Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 29th December - the First Sunday of Christmas - and for the week ahead:Scripture:41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ 49 He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour. (Luke 2.41-52)Reflection:Is Jesus just being cheeky? Ought he not to say sorry? He had his parents very worried, after all. I think, Jesus is just being a typical twelve-year old. He knew where he was. He feels completely at home in the Temple, with all the clever teachers of the faith. He belongs there. This is his Father’s house, after all. And he can’t imagine, or doesn’t want to think about, what his parents might be going through. What twelve-year old can? And this is it. We must never forget, that when we talk about Jesus coming to Earth, to be ‘born like one of us’, then that must also mean that he went through all the normal intellectual and emotional development that humans go through. Yes, he was God. But also, he was human. What greater comfort can there be, than to know that God, to whom we pray, knows all about life as a human? God with us – Emmanuel.Revd Ylva
