Originally, baptism was a washing for repentant sinners. That's why John was surprised when Jesus, the sinless one, stepped forward for baptism in the Jordan. But the process of Jesus taking on our sins begins here. And this also changed baptism itself, from a simple washing to a means of the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins. [Organ - Epiphany 1]

The birth of Christ is a time of joy, precisely because we know this is the birth of our Saviour. At the same time, we know Jesus was born into this world that is so broken (today's Gospel records the horrific reaction of Herod when his power play was foiled), and we know the final cost of Jesus' rescue mission. The shadow of the cross looms large. [Instrumental - Christmas 1]

We can approach Christmas celebrations with many expectations. But since Christ came into our world in a lowly, ordinary way, was announced to the lowest social levels, and faced similar fears and risks as do all of humankind, and since he promises to continue to be with us, we may take him at his word, and become Christ-bearers. [Organ/choir - Midnight Mass]

Second of three repeated services of Bible readings alternating with Christmas carols and songs. Each of these three services has a different, shortened sermon (and indeed, on Christmas Eve, two different preachers). [Organ/Choir - Christmas Eve]

Trigger warning: a story of the death of a child. Life can be cruelly hard sometimes, and most of us have experienced some kind of loss. The great surprise is that, even through these most difficult of times, God may be working to increase our faith. [Organ/Choir - Advent 4]