Is it true that January seems longer than all the other months? I know when I worked in business, our monthly salary was paid before Christmas so that we had access to the money before the festivities, but because of that it meant extra days before receiving January’s payment. So, in some ways, that made January seem a very long month! Of course, it is the same as most of the other months in the year – 31 days. I also think that celebrating Christmas towards the end of December makes January longer.
In these opening weeks of the New Year the church celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan and the beginning of his earthly ministry. We read of his first miracle at the wedding in Cana, and the turning of water into wine when the drinks run out at the celebration feast. When the wine is produced from the stone water jars the chief steward is overwhelmed by the quality – and not only that, but the quantity is more than enough for everyone to continue in the party spirit.
When you think about the number of years our churches have been standing and the numbers of people who have passed through the doors – for many different reasons – the love of God has been and continues to be more than enough for all people everywhere. There are many Bible stories about Jesus that teach us about God’s love for us and how he will lavish his love on us as we trust and believe in him.
May you discover God’s love and blessings in the coming year
Revd Graham
