Thought for the Day 2025

1st January 2025

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

As we move into 2025 and a New Year, we have the opportunity to make changes. We can each do our bit to make the world a better and kinder place for all. We can know Peace ourselves through giving freely and joyfully to those around us; that giving can be in the form of time, patience, company and material gifts. We can give to charity, help our fellow human beings and free ourselves from the binding chains we have forged from our poor past behaviour and choices. Repentance, the turning round of life, is offered freely by God to all. Jesus coming that first Christmas was to do exactly that, offer us the chance to turn our lives around, to become forgiven people of peace and joy in our communities and to spread that peace and joy to those around us. It is in living out peace and joy in our homes, families and communities that makes a difference and will change people’s lives for the better. Have a happy and blessed new year!

2nd January 2025

Luke 1:30 The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.

A great deal of nonsense has attached itself to the figure of Mary over the centuries. Popes and church leaders have made proclamations with no evidence or knowledge. She sums up the inconsistency and contradictions of a Church which took 600 years, to declare officially that women had souls, and another 600 years, after that, to begin to take seriously the theological implications of Jesus’ humanity. That debate lies at the heart of the confusion about what exactly it is that we celebrate each Christmas. The very point with Mary is that she is indeed human; for if Mary isn’t human then nor is Jesus, and if Jesus is not human then we are not saved. Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Mary’s existence as a human physical woman has been problematic for the church too. Mary’s virginity and her motherhood have been used down the centuries to limit options for all women: and even today in the 21st century there’s still a judgement about those women who are neither a virgin nor a mother. Look how long it took to allow women in ministry and even now they are not equal with men.

3rd January 2025

Luke 1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

The recent events in France and the sexual abuse of a woman by her husband and so many men show us that we still live in a world where politicians, judges and men can belittle women and treat them as property and less than them. We still live in a culture which thinks it can tell women (and men too, for that matter) what to eat, how to look, how to behave. The radical vision of Mary’s Magnificat is not a song for just women. It’s a song by a woman, which has and should become the song of every person who shares that vision of a better world, where the hungry are fed and the powerless enabled, where wealth and influence are equally distributed, and nobody is made more perfectly in the image of God than anyone else. Mary’s song isn’t a fantasy, it isn’t a fairy tale. The evils of anger and greed are as much of a threat now as they ever were, perhaps more so. Change that began with Mary continues with us.

4th January 2025

Matthew 2:1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem.

As we come to Epiphany, we think of the Magi or Three Kings journey to find the New King. When they found Jesus, without any hesitation, they fell down and they worshipped. They encountered the presence of God and they responded with total surrender. These wealthy, well-dressed men from the royal courts of Persia fell to their knees before a tiny little child on His mum’s lap. How humble were these Magi. They saw this child and saw a king more powerful than Herod. They were so moved that they threw open their treasure chests and they gave Jesus their all. These Kings, these Magi were changed. They heard God and went home a different way; they went home different people. God changed them, will we let God change us?

5th January 2025

Matthew 2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

As we remember Herod and the Magi, think about this: Which one are we? Herod was all about power and wealth, and the things of this world. The Magi had the things of this world, but they understood that there had to be more. Herod knew what he had could be taken away from him. The Magi were at peace, because they had found Jesus the saviour. Herod was a driven person who wanted success more than anything else, who did whatever it took to get what he wanted, even if it meant hurting other people. He insisted on being in control. Is that us? Or are we one of the Magi? People who know that there’s more to life than the things of this world? Who are willing to follow God’s call wherever it leads? Willing to humble ourself and worship fully? Willing to open our treasure chest and give Jesus the best we have? Herod or Magi. Which one are we? Which one would we rather be?

6th January 2025

Matthew 2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.

I was once eating dinner in the city, a birthday treat, when a minor celebrity came in and became angry that there was no table for him. He shouted, “Don’t you know who I am?” He had a very high opinion of himself. In the story of the Three kings following the star, King Herod was furious! “How dare these Magi come into my city and ask, ‘Where is the King of the Jews?’ I AM KING OF THE JEWS! Don’t they know who I am, my achievements; my fame; my wealth? I am Herod the Great, second only to Caesar.” For Herod it was all about power and prestige, achievement and wealth. He was willing to do whatever it took to keep those things. Tricks, bribes, lies, cheating, violence. His motives were totally selfish. As we enter a new year, we should always examine our motives in everything we do and say. If we are acting selfishly then we need to challenge ourselves and change.

7th January 2025

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem, though you are least among the clans of Judah, Out of you will come One who is to rule over Israel.

Have you ever thought something just cannot be right in your experience or opinion, you think you know best? Herod though he knew best about a prophecy concerning Jesus’ birth. “Nonsense!” Herod thought. “Rulers don’t come from little places like Bethlehem!” To him Bethlehem had no value or importance. Herod learned that the Magi were royal advisers to the king of Persia. They were certainly wise men. Their main job was to study the stars and interpret the signs so their king would know what to do. They knew the importance of the prophecy. Their story threatened Herod’s Kingship so Herod smiled a fake smile and sent them to find this precious child, asking then come back and tell him where he was. His plan was to get rid of the child. Bethlehem is so important to us in the Christmas story but to Herod it was nothing. There is a clear lesson for us in not deciding what has value and what doesn’t. God uses the unimportant, the least likely to achieve his ways. God always knows best.

8th January 2025

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Something we all have in common is that we have suffered bereavement and grief, the loss of loved ones, the sense of loss that we still feel so raw within our lives. We can draw comfort from one another in our losses and we have the opportunity to reflect on the many memories we cherish, treasure and hold onto as we let go of our loved one’s presence and entrust them to our loving Father in heaven. For some it is still very much a time to mourn, still a time to weep as an expression of our sorrow, and this is perfectly right and natural to do. For others it may be a time of healing as we have passed through the initial grief, and are now beginning to come to terms with the loss. Although we know that our loss will never fully leave us, in time many of us will come to a time of laughter, where recalling the happy memories brings us joy and happiness rather than the feeling of total loss which can at times feel all consuming.

9th January 2025

Romans 8:28 We discover and know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

As we explore the world around us, we may forget that there is a unique world inside each of us. There are hills and valleys worth exploring. Like all good adventures, the journey of self-discovery can be scary. It requires us to confront our fears, habits, and other things that are holding us back. Self-awareness is the key, developing a deep understanding of our character, feelings, and desires. Good self-awareness gives us greater self-control, empathy, creativity, and self-esteem. It also offers us increased work satisfaction, collaboration, and confidence when making decisions. In understanding who God has made us to be we are able to fulfil our potential and in doing so change the world for good.

10th January 2025

2 Corinthians 4:10 At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that his life also may be seen in our bodies.

Women have not exactly had it easy across the centuries or the world. Still treated as second class or worse, women are so often key in life’s discoveries and often do not get the credit. Marie Curie, a name synonymous with brilliance and remarkable scientific discoveries, continues to inspire generations of aspiring scientists. As the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize, her ground breaking work in “radiation phenomena” has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. Born in the Russian Empire, Curie’s path towards greatness was paved with immense challenges and obstacles that she fearlessly overcame. Her unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of knowledge revolutionised the field of science and shattered gender barriers. Working for the good of humanity she persisted at cost to herself so others could benefit. There is often a very high cost to serving others and society.

11th January 2025

Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home…

Quite simply God put us in families. Dr. Ted Ward, a professor at Michigan State University and Trinity Seminary, in his work on the family, refers to this verse when he discusses the three basic functions of a family. The first function is protection, protecting the widows and orphans. When he explains this function, John Huffman says that being part of a family helps the individual, both child and adult, become more competent to deal with social realities. The very way we are held, fed by bottle or breast, talked to, prayed for, nurtured or not nurtured has a profound future impact on how we view ourselves and others. Healthy parenting provides a secure base of acceptance from which an individual can move out into the world. We achieve competence. We become better able to reach out. God provides family for widows and orphans; we are part of that family as Christians and we have a role to play in protecting each other as we grow.

12th January 2025

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.

We can only learn independence when we have been dependent. When we know what it is like to depend on others for our basic needs. As we learn to provide for ourselves, we learn to be independent. For many the full experience comes when we go off to university, live away from home and suddenly have to cook, clean and wash our own clothes. What a shock that can be for some of us. Our independent thinking has come much earlier, as we push the boundaries, learn about society, its values, its functions, listen to social media, follow people and develop our opinions. That independence is a gift and one we need to treasure and defend as many would try to control our independent thinking for their own gain. The hope to which we are called offers us the independent choice to follow God’s ways or those of the world.

13th January 2025

Exodus 35:31 He has filled us with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.

If I asked you how rich your life experience was, how would you reply? The richer our personal experience is, the richer the ingredients for imagining and seeing the bigger picture. Our creativity and imagination is nourished by various resources on which we can draw. Through books and reading, art, discussions with others, and our education, we can build our knowledge of events and places to widen our experiences for the future. Imagining events from a distance encourages abstract thinking and that boosts creativity and big picture thinking. The Bible challenges us to think creatively, to think on the things that change lives. The Spirit is given to help us, to broaden our understanding, knowledge and skills. As always it is up to us to tap into what God has for us.

14th January 2025

2 Corinthians 4:9 There are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.

The recent news that the Taliban have stopped all education for women, treat them as slaves and disrespect them reminds me of Malala Yousafzai’s incredible courage and resilience which continues to inspire people worldwide. Despite facing unimaginable adversity from the Taliban, who sought to deprive girls of their right to education, Malala fearlessly stood up for what she believed in. In 2012, her unwavering determination led her to be targeted by a Taliban gunman, resulting in a life-threatening injury. However, Malala’s strength and perseverance shone through as she miraculously survived the attack. She continues to fight for the education of girls worldwide despite continuing threats to her life. It is fair to say we, in the west, have let down these women and girls and that is not the Christian way to behave. God values them and so must we. Keep praying for them and for change. These wonderful people who have overcome disability, imprisonment, torture, gender and culture barriers, people who have made a stand because of the inner strength, their belief in right, in honesty and fairness. Their faith in God to change the world and His use of them to do so. We might not be known for what we do, but every day we fight for what we believe in, we struggle against the odds, we overcome disabilities, culture and gender stereotypes, unfairness and injustice. So often we seem to make little progress and yet In God’s strength, in God’s timing and purpose things do change and we must not give up praying or standing up for what is right in Him.

15th January 2025

Psalm 4:6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity? Who will fight for justice?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

I remember when Star Wars: A New Hope came out. Excited to see it, to become part of this heroic story we watched and cheered as a mixed bunch of people from planets and races joined forces to make a stand against an evil empire. They were called the Rebel Alliance. They succeed in their mission because of teamwork and perseverance. They fight for each other no matter their culture or race. Their thoughtful action has an impact, as does ours. We are called to be people who make a stand against injustice, who work with others who are different to us and yet desire the same justice and freedoms we do. We have the opportunity to make an impact on our world by how we work with others, how we work with those things which unite us and make us stronger. Thoughtful action is God working amongst us to change things for the good of all.

16th January 2025

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

On a daily basis we want to live well, to have a good day. There is a phrase that says "Today is always yesterdays tomorrow." In other words, every day is a new day, a day when we can make right the mistakes of the past, where we can arise and shine in the light. The present, here and now, is the best place to practice the hopes of the past. To start again. One bad day does not make a bad week, month or year. We have the opportunity to make the most of each new day, as Winnie The Pooh reminds us, that is why we call it the Present. It is a gift to us. Each new day has the opportunity to start afresh. There is a poem called the Land of Beginning Again by Louisa Fletcher. Well worth a read. It speaks of wanting to drop all the mistakes of the day away like a shabby coat. That is exactly what God offers. To let go of the past and start new every day. God does not want our mistakes to define our story, neither should we.

17th January 2025

Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

I like to remember events, times, people and I will often note things down to aid my memory. One of the greatest gifts that God has given us is the Gift of Memories. Memories are particularly important when someone dies whether our loved one died recently or in years gone by, we now treasure the memory of those times that we had together. Times of joy, times of sorrow, times of sadness and times of fun, and the memory of how they enriched our lives continues. The Bible is a book of memories. Memories of God and how he nurtured his chosen people in the good and bad times in their lives. Much of our lives, especially as we get older, is built in memories. Memories which we treasure, memories which rekindle joy, relive experiences, offer comfort and sometimes even offer a clearer way forward. God holds us in His memory, never forgets us. He remembers us even when we forget Him.

18th January 2025

Luke 11:34 Your eye is the lamp of the body, if it is healthy your whole body is full of light, if it is not healthy your whole body is full of darkness.

Sometimes we refer to someone as a shining example. They exude certain qualities which attract others to them. We all desire to have that quality. The Bible teaches that our eyes are the lamp of our body, they are also called the windows of our soul. What we see matters! If we are constantly watching violence, aggression, lying, cheating then we will reflect that in ourselves. What we see and experience affects us for good or for bad. So, we need to think about what we allow into ourselves and thus about how we live. Are we people who shine, shine out goodness, peace, love, compassion, care. We need to be full of God’s light, full of Jesus the light of the world so that we can shine as God’s people in everything we do. If we do this then others will be drawn to us and to God because of the light they see emanating from us. 

19th January 2025

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

The process of self-discovery can be uncomfortable. It can mean confronting parts of ourselves that we may not like. But how can we learn to love those difficult parts of ourselves or find a way to change them if we do not acknowledge they are there? Self-discovery also involves trying new activities. Getting out of our comfort zone and challenging oneself to explore new things, this will help us discover more about our likes and dislikes. Once we learn more about ourselves, we will live with more purpose. We will make choices more aligned with who we are in Jesus and who we want to become in our Christian lives. We are reminded that we are given strength in our weakness by God’s Spirit within us. That Spirit working with us to find out who we are and how we should live. Discovering that as we approach our God given life as truly self-aware people and learn from it, things will work out for the best.

20th January 2025

Luke 3:22a And the Holy Spirit came down on him in the form of a dove.

It seems odd that in the season of Epiphany, just a few weeks after Jesus’ birth we are now suddenly onto His adult baptism. It is as if the telescope has been stretched open and we have jumped from birth to adulthood. At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove. This is the same Spirit that hovered over the waters of chaos at the beginning of Genesis. It’s the same Spirit that will shortly fill Jesus with the power of God and drive him out into the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. Think back a couple of chapters to Luke’s account of the beginning of the story of Jesus. The angel Gabriel tells Mary that the Spirit will descend upon her and overshadow her – hover over her. It’s the same image, the Spirit descending. That same Spirit is ready and waiting to descend upon us if we are willing.

21st January 2025

 Luke 3:16b I am not even worthy to untie His sandals. He will baptize you with fire, with the Holy Spirit.

Remember only a few weeks ago Luke’s description of the angels announcing the good news to the shepherds in the field. The heavens were opened, and the angel’s declared peace to all those on whom God’s favour rests, those in whom God is pleased. Luke is making a deliberate link between the Christmas story of Jesus’ conception and birth, and the story of Jesus’ baptism. It’s the same Holy Spirit at work, opening the heavens and descending upon those in whom God is well pleased. It’s not surprising that Luke is making connections between Jesus’ birth and his baptism. After all, baptism is a kind of second birth. In baptism, Jesus himself tells us, we are born again of water and the Spirit. When we are baptised, we are symbolically washed of our sins and made new or reborn. 

22nd January 2025

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

We live through differing times as we grow up. I have watched and fought for women’s rights all my life, I have seen them vastly improve, but now I am watching them retreat and be dismissed as more and more misogyny is peddled. We have witnessed a huge attack on women’s rights in America and it is only going to get worse under the new administration. This is where independent thinking and living is taken away by laws introduced to make people behave in the way those who lead want them to. These restrictions of independence will face us more and more in coming years and we need to realise that if we want independence of thought and action then we must afford others the same, even when they disagree with us. 

23rd January 2025

John 2:2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.

Have you been to a wedding recently? I am actually holding a wedding rehearsal later today and very much looking forward to it. It is a real privilege to be part of such a wonderful occasion. Weddings are times of joy and celebration, family and friends come together. The story of the wedding at Cana presents several key themes that can resonate deeply with us. One prominent theme is transformation. The act of turning water into wine symbolises a shift from the ordinary to the extraordinary, reminding us that change is always possible. Reminding us that God can take the ordinary everyday things of life and turn them into whatever is needed, those special answers to prayer, moments of joy, moments of blessing.

24th January 2025

John 2:10 “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.”

Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana holds profound significance. It marks the beginning of His public ministry, revealing His divine authority. Transforming water into wine was not just a display of power; it illustrated His ability to bring joy and abundance. To bring life in all its fullness. Jesus transformed water into wine, showcasing that there is always more than enough if we trust in God’s divine provision. This can inspire us to look beyond scarcity and embrace generosity in our lives. This is God's abundance. Jesus didn't just provide enough wine; he ensured there was more than enough for everyone present. This reflects a generous spirit and should encourage us to embrace God's plentiful blessings in our lives. 

25th January 2025

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Being able to imagine is a fundamental aspect of human life. It enables us to look beyond the world as it is. To see the bigger picture. Imagination helps create different lenses through which we can view the world. To see things from other perspectives. Our imagination can make it possible to think about alternative realities from “what is” and think about “what could be.” It is the ability to “see” something that does not presently exist. Focusing only on what we already know can limit our ability to think more broadly. To see the bigger picture. To think about not just what God has done and is doing but what He can do, what He will do if we will only let Him.

26th January 2025

Luke 4:18b He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.

Social media has been full of the Bishop of Washington who spoke truth to power and asked the new president to show compassion to the vulnerable. As you can imagine he did not like it. When God’s truth is spoken to rich and powerful people, they do not like it. That is not a reason not to do it! Are we actively bringing Good News to the poor; release to the captives; sight to the blind; freedom for the oppressed? Are we speaking truth to power? That’s Jesus’ way. It’s a way of living and relating, are we willing to do this? How far are we willing to go? We cannot be certain of where this will lead, what will happen along the way, or what is coming toward us. And yet, we are being asked to make a stand. For God’s sake are we willing to speak out, to speak truth to power.

27th January 2025

Luke 4:21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

How far will we go for this gospel we claim to love and follow? What are we willing to do and what are we not? Those are choices we make every day. The gospel asks us to make a choice, to take a stand, and sometimes that will inconvenience us, be contrary to our self-interest, or put us in conflict and even opposition with others, ourselves, our family, our country, our religion. It is not easy. No turning back now! We all have fears and concerns about taking stand, about living the gospel. We know how easy and tempting it is to let the gospel go in one ear and out the other. We also know that if Jesus’ words are to be fulfilled then we will have to change.

28th January 2025

Romans 12:5 So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Once we become Christians, we become part of God’s family and part of a church family. Within this family will be those who are widows and orphans, people without immediate families. God has placed us in a family through faith. As a spiritual family the church is supposed to protect people from the dangers in the world. We should help each other grow into healthy, productive citizens of the community. We urge each other in our development as mature Christ-like adults. We teach how to eat the Bread of Life. All this is done within this caring community called the family of God. We protect each other. That is why God sets the lonely within families. We need to protect each other. It’s obvious that it’s the nuclear family in which the physical provisions of food, shelter and clothing are made. But, a healthy church becomes the family of God to us, supplementing and complementing contributions of a good home and helping us to make good the deficiencies of a poor home. They help us cope with life, enabling us to live well in community.

29th January 2025

Matthew 20:16 The last will be first and the first will be last.

We tend to think that talking about things is okay but meddling, getting involved, is not. Religion has no place in politics, we declare! We easily blame the ones Jesus says we should be helping; it is their fault for being homeless, poor, in debt. The papers say it is; the government says it is and even the news coverage says everything is their fault. We use the church as an escape from, rather than an engagement with, the world. We are content with just having a quiet friend in Jesus. Well, here’s the thing; Jesus doesn’t just talk, He meddles, He gets involved. He raises a question waiting for a response. Jesus is trouble for the status quo and an interruption to business as usual. His world is one in which the hungry are filled with good things and the rich are sent away empty. Jesus promises a new life and a new ordering of that life. And we are the keepers or breakers of that promise. There is no neutral stand when it comes to Jesus. We all have to take a stand. The only question is for what and with whom do you and I stand? 

30th January 2025

Luke 5:36 He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.”

We all love new things, new clothes, books, shoes, games and so on. We also treasure old things. I still have my first teddy bear, my first proper fountain Pen, my first bible. As with everything it is about finding a balance between the old, we treasure, and the new things God is doing. Jesus became very unpopular with religious leaders because he questioned their devout fixation on the old and the lack of seeing what God was doing now and being part of that. Ordinary people had become imprisoned in traditions for tradition’s sake. Jesus came to bring freedom and life in all it’s fullness. Sometimes things need to change, not for change’s sake, but because God is at work, doing new things and we need to be looking, listening, learning and joining in His work and His ways.

31st January 2025

Luke 4:40 At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.

We all get ill sometimes, some more serious than others. We long to get well, go to see whoever can help us, take the medication, accept the treatment. Healing is that miracle that so often occurs when we cut ourselves, break a bone, beat off an infection. These miracles are happening every day across the world. We are used to them. We rarely give God the credit for these amazing bodies that so often heal themselves. Yes, sometimes we can’t heal, sometimes an illness is too much but these are a lot less than they used to be as God given science moves forward. Jesus healed so many, overruled creation as it was then. He showed that God’s perfection does not want suffering or illness. Our role is to pray for the sick, to use the God given cures and treatments. To encourage the research and discovery and allow God to work. It isn’t easy, especially when it affects us personally. God only wants the best for us, we must allow Him to work.

1st February 2025

Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened.

How often do you pray? How do you pray? Do you ever find things happen when you pray? Luke tells us that while Jesus was praying God’s voice is heard from the heavens. Jesus would often go into the desert to be alone with God. Prayer is key to the Son of God; it is key to us as well. It’s in these moments of prayer, these moments of intimacy between Jesus and his Father, that the heavens are opened and the voice of God confirms him and us: You are my child; in you I am well pleased. It is also in the moments of prayer, of intimacy between us and God that things can happen. God can bless us, use us, affirm us, but we must spend time with Him for this to happen.

2nd February

John 2:1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

In my life family is really important. God put us in families with people to love and care for us and us for them. Family and community also play vital roles in this story of Jesus at the wedding. By performing his first miracle at a wedding, Jesus underscores the importance of relationships and celebration within communal settings. This act clearly underscores Jesus' connection to humanity. By performing a miracle during a joyful celebration, He affirms the importance of community and relationships. The choice of wine symbolises richness and life, central to Jesus’ mission. The story of the wedding at Cana offers timeless lessons for today’s readers. It reminds us of the importance of community and celebration. Life's milestones, like weddings, are meant to be shared with others.

3rd January 2025

Luke 2:34b God has chosen this child to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept.

There is an old tradition that Candlemas, 40 days after Christmas Day, is the day that ends the Christmas season, when everyone’s nativity scene and decorations should finally be taken down. This is because on that day we turn from Christmas towards Easter; from Jesus’ birth to Jesus’ death. Candlemas, also called the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, is kind of a pivotal point for the new year, the day when we turn from cradle to cross; birth to death. Simeon’s prophecy in the Temple contains this pivot. He speaks of the pain and hurt to come but also the fulfilment of God’s promised Messiah through Jesus Christ. 

4th February 2025

Luke 2:26 Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord.

What promises have you made? Tidy your room, pick up your clothes, be good, not take mum’s chocolate, not to tell on a friend, not to lie ……. Have you kept these promises? Maybe one or two but we so easily break promises. Why don’t we keep them? Human nature, we do what is better for ourselves. What excuses do we make when we break promises? I forgot, wasn’t me, slipped out, better this way. Thankfully God keeps His promises! No excuses. It may not happen instantly but if God promises something, it will happen. God promised Simeon and Anna they would see the saviour. They did! They had to wait many years but God kept His promise. God keeps His promises! Sometimes it takes a while. Try to be patient.

5th February 2025

John 2:6 His mother, Mary, said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you”.

Apart from at Christmas we often forget the vital role Mary plays in Jesus’ life. At Cana faith emerges as a crucial element when Mary directs servants to follow Jesus' instructions without hesitation. Their trust leads to an incredible outcome, highlighting how belief can unlock potential beyond our understanding. This highlights practical faith. Mary’s request reflects trust in her son’s capabilities, encouraging others to believe as well. This moment invites us all to recognise that belief can lead to extraordinary outcomes, even from ordinary circumstances. Another vital lesson lies in obedience. Mary’s instruction to the servants highlights the value of listening and acting upon guidance when it comes from a place of love.