Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1 : 10 - 11

Readings this week :

Matthew 2 : 1 – 12 (Epiphany); Genesis 1 : 1 - 5; Acts 19 : 1 - 7; Mark 1 : 4 - 11

This is the season of Epiphany, beginning with the journey of the Wise Men to find the infant Jesus. It is a reminder to each of us that to believe in Jesus is a constant journey throughout our lives of revelation of His truth and light, and all His promises mean for us personally and for our world.

We also focus on the Baptism of Jesus today, as we are plunged into the truth of Jesus’ divinity sharing our humanity. It is about the sheer depth of Christ’s love for us that He is so committed to us.

Over Christmas I discovered this quote from JR Tolkien from the Fellowship of the Ring :

“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost

As we travel through this new year and new month, we each have so much to discover in our faith that is challenging and new. Our everyday experiences, our conversations, our Bible reading and our prayers are all so significant in our journey with Jesus.

I pray we may each discover more of Jesus love in the everyday.

Rev Paul

A prayer written by Justin Smith, member of Mustard Tree Church

Lord we pray to you with all our hearts that one day you will bring peace to this world.

I and many others have witnessed this world in all of its light and darkness.

Right now this world seems so unjust and without hope.

We pray for all the violence over the world to cease,

we pray for justice and for love to prevail through all these days,

and spread your loving light over the world that fills our hearts with your peace and joy.

Lord we pray that we leave this in your capable hands

as we put our hands together in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

People to pray for :

Those in hospital at this time

Those planning celebrations this year