Daily Worship

God’s gift — Jesus!

James Cathcart January 04, 2026 2 1
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John 3: 16 (NIVUK)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus is God’s gift to the world! The divine becoming human, Emmanuel, God-with-us! Jesus is God moving into our neighbourhood, walking our road, breathing our air, feeling our joy and pain. As we gather round God’s table we discover Jesus — who has his arms wide — a gift joyfully given for each one of us!

This week we begin a new theme at Sanctuary First: ‘The Gift Table’ building on our last theme ‘Room at the Table’. As we gather round this Gift Table we rejoice in all God’s gifts — freely given — that sustain us.

We are just past Christmas which often brings an excess of gift-giving that can strain our bank balances, living spaces and relationships! January, surrounded by boxes and other recycling, is often a time of renewed clarity and focus. We make (often short lived) resolutions to clear away the old and change habits. 

This January how can a renewed focus on God’s generosity help us rediscover the gifts of love, grace and self-sacrifice that change the world?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

You loved us so much

you gave us your only Son

— Christ, Emmanuel, God-with-us!

And you go on loving us so much

that you carry on giving us your Son

a gift we can continually rediscover 

and delight in.

 

Help us this year to act with compassion

pray with conviction

and love with confidence.

Amen.