Today in the Christian calendar we celebrate The Baptism of Christ, depicted in the wonderful painting by Piero della Francesca in the National Gallery, London.

You can read the story in the Bible here: Luke 3:15-22

The Baptism of Jesus is a significant event in Christian theology, symbolising purification, and the beginning of his public ministry. According to the New Testament, specifically the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. John initially hesitated, recognizing Jesus’ divinity, but Jesus insisted, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling all righteousness.

As Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven proclaimed, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This divine declaration underscores Jesus’ unique relationship with God and marks the initiation of his earthly mission.

The baptism represents Jesus’ identification with humanity, foreshadowing his sacrificial role for the redemption of sin. It serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of repentance, spiritual renewal, and commitment to God.

The baptism a pivotal moment in the Trinity, illustrating the coexistence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The event is celebrated in various Christian traditions through the sacrament of baptism, where believers undergo water immersion as a symbol of spiritual rebirth and union with Christ. The baptism of Jesus remains a central theme in Christian teachings, embodying divine approval and the mission of salvation.

There are several themes and traditions related to the Advent wreath, today we light the Christmas candle, illustrated here with a single white candle.

The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. The third candle symbolises JOY and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. The fourth candle represents PEACE and is called the Angel’s Candle.

This fifth candle represents LOVE and is called Christ’s Candle. In the busy time of Advent and Christmas it’s important to pause and remember the great gift of love that God gave to the world when Jesus was born.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14

Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the love we have in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the greatest gift of all that came on the first Christmas, a gift of love wrapped in the vulnerability of a baby, a gift later wrapped in the scars of our human sin on the cross, a gift of love that conquered death. On this Christmas Day, we thank you for loving us enough to send Jesus, fill our hearts and minds with the significance of that truth. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Today is the Fourth Sunday in Advent. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent.

The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. The third candle symbolises JOY and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. The fourth candle represents PEACE and is called the Angel’s Candle. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Prince of Peace. The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace, to bring people closer to God and to each other.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ Luke 2:13-14

When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peacemakers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God. When Christ comes he brings us peace, and everlasting peace when he comes again. We light the candle of peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.

Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the peace we have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people from trouble. Give peace in our hearts this Christmas. We ask this as we wait for you to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

Today is the Third Sunday in Advent. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent.

The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. The third candle symbolises JOY and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. To their great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. We light the candle of joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy, and that through him there can be eternal joy in our hearts and lives.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:8-20

Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the joy we have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day, to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

Today is the Second Sunday in Advent. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent.

The first candle in the Advent wreath symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The second candle represents FAITH and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. Micah foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which was also the birthplace of King David.

Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:1-2

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:1-7

Faith is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the faith we have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David. We remember all those who have been faithful through the centuries. At this busy time, help us to focus on what you are doing, and what you want to accomplish in and through our lives. Give us the faith to follow you every day of our lives and put you first. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

On Advent Sunday (the start of the Christian year) we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning arrival or coming. The season of Advent is the first period of reflection in the Christian year, the second being Lent. Advent is a time for preparing for Christ’s second coming, even as we remember and celebrate his first coming at Christmas.

There are several themes related to this traditional wreath, with a variety of colours that sometimes incorporate purple and pink candles.

The first candle symbolises HOPE and is known as the Prophet’s Candle. The prophets of the Old Testament waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Advent Sunday is an opportunity to recall the hope we have in Christ. God told Abraham that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed, because he trusted and put his hope in God. The Old Testament spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David. He would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations. We also believe in God’s promise to send Jesus again to this world to establish his kingdom upon the earth.

Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we reflect on the light from this candle, we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God of Abraham, the Patriarchs and Prophets of old, you are our Father too. Your love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Son of David. Help us in preparing to celebrate his birth, to make our hearts ready and to place our hope in you. Help us today and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your hope with others. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:1-12, are a set of teachings given by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, offering blessings to various groups of people. They serve as a cornerstone of Christian ethical teaching and reflect a profound spiritual insight into the nature of happiness, inner disposition, and the kingdom of God.

The Beatitudes begin with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This signifies a state of humility and spiritual openness. Jesus emphasises the value of recognising one’s need for God, illustrating that those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Here, Jesus acknowledges the pain and suffering in the world and offers solace to those experiencing grief, promising them comfort.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” This beatitude emphasizes the value of gentleness, humility, and self-control, promising the meek the ultimate reward of inheriting the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Jesus highlights the importance of pursuing righteousness and justice, promising fulfilment to those with a deep longing for what is right and just.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” This beatitude underscores the reciprocal nature of mercy; those who show compassion and forgiveness to others will receive the same treatment.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Jesus emphasises the significance of inner purity and sincerity, suggesting that those with pure intentions will have the privilege of perceiving and encountering God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This beatitude praises those who actively seek and cultivate peace, implying that they reflect the nature of God, who desires peace among humankind.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This beatitude acknowledges the challenges faced by those who stand up for what is right, assuring them of a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.

In these teachings, Jesus redefines traditional ideas of happiness and success, pointing toward spiritual attitudes and virtues rather than worldly achievements. The Beatitudes challenge societal norms, emphasising humility, empathy, purity of heart, and pursuit of justice.

They highlight the paradoxical nature of happiness in Christianity, finding joy in hardship, comfort in mourning, and fulfilment in selflessness. Moreover, they present a roadmap for discipleship, outlining the characteristics and attitudes that Christ-followers should embody. A design for life.

The Beatitudes offer a profound understanding of the Christian faith, revealing the heart of Jesus’ message and calling individuals to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. They provide a guide for personal introspection and societal engagement, promoting a life characterised by compassion, humility, and a pursuit of righteousness.

Bible Readings: Psalm 95:1-7a & Psalm 150

Both these Psalms are an encouragement to praise the Lord, especially to praise him with music and song: Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Psalm 150 begins and ends with the words, Praise the Lord or Hallelujah. The verses in between invite us to praise, telling us where and why to praise, and instructing us how to. We praise God because of who he is and because of what he has done, his surpassing greatness and his acts of power.

We praise him supremely because of what he did in sending Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord. We praise him with music, with song, and with our very lives. Psalm 150 expresses the sheer exuberance of lives given to God.

We thank God for lives devoted to him, who praise him day by day. The challenge comes to each one of us to use our talents and gifts, whether they are musical or whatever, to praise God and extend his kingdom.

I finish this short thought with the opening of a prayer I found here:

Creator God,
from the moment your spirit
hovered over the waters of this earth,
we were part of a vision
held lovingly within your heart.
From the moment you spoke
and separated darkness from light,
you created space
where we might one day walk.
From the moment your joy
spilled out into green and living things,
your beauty was revealed
for us to taste and see.
Creator God,
for this world,
beauty and majesty,
passion and artistry,
a green and pleasant place,
we praise your mighty name.

Psalm 96 (click to read) is a beautiful and lyrical Psalm, often referred to as a ‘song of praise’ or a ‘hymn of thanksgiving’. This psalm, like many others, is attributed to King David and is traditionally used in both Jewish and Christian worship.

It begins with a call to sing a new song to the Lord, one that’s meant to be a fresh and heartfelt expression of praise and worship. It encourages us to declare God’s glory among the nations and his marvellous works among all people. This universal aspect of the psalm reflects the idea that the God of Israel is not confined to one nation but is the Creator and Lord of all the earth.

The psalmist calls on us to ascribe to the Lord the glory and strength that are due to him, and this theme of giving glory and honour to God is central to the entire psalm. It emphasises the idea that God is the source of all power and authority and that he deserves to be exalted supremely.

One of its key elements is the emphasis on the uniqueness of God. It also extols the beauty and holiness of the Lord’s sanctuary, that sacred place of worship and communion with God.

The psalmist also calls on all creation to rejoice in the presence of the Lord. The sea, the field, the trees, and all that’s in them are urged to sing for joy. This poetic imagery conveys the idea that all of creation is interconnected and can praise God through its existence, and we neglect this interdependence at our peril in our modern world.

The psalm proclaims that God’s rule extends beyond the borders of Israel and that his reign is universal, and concludes with a vision of a future judgement, where the Lord will judge the peoples with equity and righteousness; underscoring the idea that God’s rule is both powerful and just.

Here’s a wonderful song of praise, thanksgiving, and proclamation. One that emphasises the universal nature of God’s glory, the uniqueness of the one true God, and the call to all of creation to join in worship. It inspires us to lift our voices in praise and declare his reign among the nations.

Whether in our Christian lives or collective worship, Psalm 96 continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection as we seek to honour and glorify God.