“Baptism and Identity.” Baptism is God’s act of love, where he claims us and names us as his own. Similarly, when Jesus was baptised, God announced his identity — and then sent him into the wilderness, beginning his journey to the cross for our salvation, the ultimate act of love. We are the new creation, made righteous by Christ's perfect obedience and 'fulfilment of all righteousness' on our behalf; and now through his obedience, God is well pleased with us. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/4vS3zvZclq4 ) [Organ - Baptism of Jesus]

The Christmas story introduces a little baby born in tough, hard circumstances in a cattle shed. This little baby is God's big plan for you and for all people. The little one whose name is Jesus grew and gave his life for all people, that all who believe in him may live eternally, and be known as children of God. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/YMhVC5vdxZk [Prerecorded music - Christmas Day]) Repeated Sunday Dec 27th.

“May it be to me according to what you have said!” When Mary received the news and the promise that she would carry and give birth to Jesus, God’s Son, she was initially perplexed and wondered how this could be. What an announcement to receive! No wonder she was perplexed! But Mary hears the words of promise from God’s messenger and receives them in faith. “May it be as you have said.” Mary sits in faith with her vulnerability and trusts in the promise of God. God provides us with faith to do the same. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/OHqXbMyeE8Q [Prerecorded music - Advent 4])

John the Baptist's call to people to prepare the way of the Lord is an ancient call to Israel in captivity, and a present-day call to us. It's a call to daily receive the grace-filled rescue of God for us in our lives, to rejoice in God;s grace for us, and to go with the same loving call for people in our lives and our neighbourhoods, that as Christmas approaches, the God of grace comes for them. "Prepare the way of the Lord!" (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/_RMtAGiWykQ) [Prerecorded music - Advent 2)

St Paul makes a bold statement that God has put everything under Christ's feet and made him head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. It's a big call, and, wonderfully, God acts in and through his people to lovingly rule. (YouTube video of the service including this sermon: https://youtu.be/R7JTGh6E3XE) [Prerecorded music - Last Sunday of the Church Year]