January 11th - Seeking God's Will
This morning local preacher David Parker, considered the lessons to be learnt from the story of Jesus’ baptism, told in Matthew 3 vs 13 -17. Here we see Jesus coming to the place where His cousin, John the Baptist is baptising people in the River Jordan. Of course today, we think of baptism as the naming of a child, but back then it was done for people who wished to be admitted into the Jewish faith, symbolising their repentance for previous wrongdoings and to affirm their membership of God’s chosen race.
John knows who Jesus is and says that it is he that should receive baptism from Jesus not the other way round, but the Lord is having none of it and insists that John baptise Him. In doing so, Jesus is demonstrating His humility and obedience to the will of God.
Obedience is not a popular word these days, but Jesus needed to discern God’s will before beginning His work and the same is true for us. Jesus is showing us that we too need God’s approval and the power of His Holy Spirit before doing anything and that we shouldn’t try to ‘go it alone’ in our own strength. Just think to yourself how good it feels and how energising it is when someone says ‘well done’ which is, as the story describes, what God says about Jesus when He emerges from the Jordan and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him.
Can we follow Jesus and do God’s will or is it too scary? If so, read Isaiah 43 vs 1-10, which is one of the Bible’s great affirmations of faith. It tells us not to be afraid because God has our backs through all life’s adventures and problems and will keep us safe.
Enjoy this service here in full:
January 4th - Jesus IS the Light
Mark begins his gospel by referencing Jesus to the book of Isaiah whilst Luke starts his with the story of Jesus’ birth. Matthew tells about Jesus’ birth too but also establishes Him by quoting His kingly family tree back to the father of Israel, Abraham.
But John’s gospel roots Jesus quite differently, as the One who existed before the very beginning of time, identifying Him as no other than the Creator of the universe in human form. It is an absolutely stunning affirmation!
John 1 vs 9 says: ‘The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world’ and vs 14a goes on ‘the Word became flesh and made His dwelling amongst us. But how does that amazing revelation translate for us in 2026?
Rev Dr Jason Swan Clark puts it like this: Light doesn’t simply illuminate – it inhabits. The Light of Christ steps into the dark beside us quietly saying, ‘Follow Me’. The Word that once spoke galaxies into being now takes breath in a manger.
Jesus’ light longs to be your compass this year. Not a glare that exposes your flaws, but a glow that guides your path. Not a spotlight of judgement, but a sunrise of mercy. Christ doesn’t simply show you the way – He is the way, lighting you from within.
Let His presence inhabit every part of your life. Just stay close to His Flame – living near enough to it that His light becomes your own.
Light is meant to be seen. God lights us up to make Himself visible through your kindness and forgiveness reaching into the dark places of others. Let your life burn with His borrowed glory until others find their way home by its light.
May the Word incarnate, Light wrapped in love – move into your life this year.