Christmas Day

 Christmas Day

 

Today we gather in joy, wonder, and gratitude.

Christmas is not simply the celebration of a birth long ago—it is the proclamation that God has entered our world, our lives today in the most unexpected way: as a child, fragile and vulnerable yet full of promise.

The Gospel tells us: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). This is the heart of Christmas.

God does not remain distant, watching from afar.

Instead, God chooses to be Emmanuel—God with us.

In Jesus, we see God’s love made visible, tangible, and approachable.

The Creator of the universe comes not in power or grandeur, but in humility.

Born in a stable, laid in a manger, surrounded not by kings but by shepherds.

This is God’s way of saying: No one is too small, too poor, or too ordinary to be loved.

Christmas reminds us of essential truths about God:

Whatever burdens we carry—grief, uncertainty, or loneliness—Christmas proclaims that God is not far away. He is with us in the messiness of life.

The manger teaches us that greatness is not found in wealth, power or status, but in love, service, and compassion.

The angels announced “good news of great joy for all people.”

Christmas joy is not meant to be kept to ourselves—it is meant to be shared in kindness, generosity, and reconciliation.

When you see the baby Jesus in the nativity scene, remember: God chose to come as a child – vulnerable, dependant on others – just like us.

Christmas is a challenge.

Will we allow the light of Christ to shine through us?

Will we welcome the stranger, forgive those who hurt us, and bring hope where there is despair?

The manger is not just a decoration—it is a call to live differently.

So today, let us rejoice. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

May the Christ child be born anew in our hearts, our homes, and our communities.

The warmth of this season draws us closer to one another and to God.

We are reminded that love has a name—Jesus.

Love is not just a feeling; it is an action, a choice we make every day.

Let us remember that we are called to reflect light of Christ that has come into the world.

In our families, our communities, and beyond, we have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope.

So let us reflect for a moment on why God chose this way to enter our world.

The birth of Jesus reminds us of God’s boundless love for each one of us.

In a world often marked by division, conflict, and despair, Jesus came to bring a message of peace and hope.

His coming signifies that God's love is not reserved for the powerful or the privileged, but for everyone, especially the marginalized and the lost.

The shepherds, among the first to receive the news of His birth, were ordinary people, considered lowly in status.

Yet, they were chosen to bear witness to this great event, highlighting that in God’s eyes, everyone has inherent dignity and worth.

So may we, like the shepherds, go out glorifying and praising God for all we have seen and heard.

As we celebrate this day, let us also remember the message of the angels: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10).

What is this good news?

It is the assurance that God is with us, that hope is alive, and that love triumphs over fear and darkness.

In the chaos of our modern lives, this message remains ever relevant.

It calls us to let go of our anxieties into the hands of the One who is the Prince of Peace.

Christmas invites us not only to celebrate the birth of Jesus but also to reflect on how we can carry that light into our everyday lives.

 We are called to be bearers of Christ’s love and peace in our families, our communities, and our world.

This means reaching out to those in need, offering kindness to the stranger, and extending forgiveness to those who may have wronged us.

As we have been given so much, it is our turn to give, sharing the joy of Christmas throughout the year.

In this season of giving, let us not forget the greatest gift we can offer one another: our love, understanding, and compassion.

Let us embody the spirit of Christmas by serving others, just as Christ came to serve us.

Let our hearts be open, just as the heart of Jesus is open to all.

Let us carry the light of Christ into a world that needs it desperately.

May the joy of his birth fill our hearts and inspire our actions, guiding us to love more deeply and serve more faithfully.

 

Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve

 

Christmas Eve has a feel is unlike any other night.

The angel’s words ring out: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy.”

The shepherds, ordinary workers on the lower rung of society, are the first to hear the Good News.

God chooses them—not kings or priests—to receive the exciting news  – God’s own son is born this night.

This tells us something profound: the gift of Christ is for everyone, perhaps especially for those who feel overlooked and forgotten to remind them that God is with them and for them.

The Savior of the world comes not in a palace, but in a stable.

Not clothed in royal robes, but wrapped in swaddling cloths.

Not laid in a golden cradle, but in a manger – a feeding trough to remind us that we will feed on Jesus’ body and blood for our salvation.

God’s glory is revealed in humbleness.

This is both the scandal and beauty of Christmas: the Almighty chooses vulnerability, entering our world as a fragile child.

Emmanuel—God with us—means God is not distant, but close, sharing our human condition.

The angels sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.”

Christmas is not just about nostalgia or tradition; it is about God’s peace filling our world – filling our lives.

The birth of Christ brings peace where there is conflict, joy where there is sorrow, hope where there is despair.

The shepherds respond by going “with haste” to Bethlehem.

They don’t delay.

The world they live in need the news now.

The world we live in today needs the Good News now.

They share the good news that they have been privileged to hear.

You to have been privileged to hear the Good News of God’s love for you.

Their joy becomes contagious.

They can’t keep it to themselves.

Christmas is pure grace and love from God.

Like the shepherds, we simply receive so we can share.

The shepherds told everyone what they had seen.

We too are called to bear witness—to let Christ’s light shine through our words and actions.

God is with us—in our families, our struggles, our celebrations.

Christmas reminds us we are never alone.

So as candles flicker and our voices rise to sing carols, we remember: the child in the manger is the Savior of the world.

He comes to bring peace, joy, hope and love.

May we, like Mary, treasure these things in our hearts.

May we, like the shepherds, go out rejoicing, telling others that God’s love has come near.

As we gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to remember those who are alone, those who are grieving, or those who are struggling.

Christmas invites us to reach beyond ourselves – as God did, to extend our hearts and hands to those in need – as God did.

How can we be the angels of our time, bringing hope and joy to the corners of our world that feel dark and barren?

As we leave this place tonight and step into the celebration of Christmas Day, let us carry that light with us.

Let us be instruments of hope, peace joy and love, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world that is eagerly longing for hope.

Sermon 21st December 2025 – 4th Sunday in Advent Text Matthew 1:18-25 – The faith of Joseph

 Sermon 21^st December 2025 – 4^th Sunday in Advent

Text Matthew 1:18-25 – The faith of Joseph

 

Matthew tells us the story of Jesus’ birth from Joseph’s perspective.  Joseph is confronted with a situation that seems scandalous:  Joseph is engaged to be married to Mary. Mary has been found to be pregnant, and not by him.  His initial plan is to quietly dismiss her, protecting her dignity but still following the law of Moses.  But God interrupts Joseph’s plan with a dream, revealing that this child is from the Holy Spirit. Joseph is invited to trust, to obey, and to embrace a future he never imagined.

 

We look back on this story with 2000 years of history having heard this year after year. As a result it can lose the impact of what Joseph was really going through. But put yourself in Joseph’s shoes telling your family that you were visited by angels and that your fiancé is pregnant with God’s child, conceived by God’s Holy Spirit. Joseph’s greatness lies not in words—he speaks none in the Gospels. His words are not important —but in his faith and actions are what define him. He listens, he trusts, and he obeys.  An example for all of us to display – Listening to God. Trusting God. Obeying God.

 

Joseph’s obedience is immediate and complete: He takes Mary as his wife. He names the child Jesus, fulfilling the angel’s command. He becomes protector of the Holy Family by escaping to Egypt. Joseph models what it means to live by faith: He doesn’t have all the answers, but trusts God’s word enough to act. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “They shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us.” It is the same promise that Jesus will confirm at his ascension to the right hand of God – I am with you always.

 

This is the heart of the Christmas message:  God does not remain distant.  He enters into our human story, into the messiness of scandal, fear, and uncertainty.  Through Jesus, God is with us—sharing our joys, bearing our burdens, and redeeming our brokenness. As the Book of Hebrews affirms - For we have a high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses, tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

 

So what does this mean for us? Like Joseph, we often have plans that are disrupted.  God’s call may lead us into unexpected paths.  Faith may require saying “yes” even when we don’t see the whole picture. Joseph teaches us that holiness is not always noticeable.  Sometimes it is quiet faithfulness, steady obedience, and humble service. But it also means that in times of loneliness, grief, or uncertainty,  Emmanuel reminds us that we are never alone.

 

God is present in the ordinary and the difficult moments of life. Joseph’s story invites us to step into the mystery of God’s plan with courage.  The child born of Mary is not just for Joseph and Mary, not just for Israel, but for the world, as Paul says  in our 2nd reading: Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace.  Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us.  He affirms that promise in your baptism – I am with you always till the end of the age.

 

So as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, may we, like Joseph, listen for God’s voice, trust His promises, and live faithfully in the quiet strength of God’s grace.

Sermon 14th December 2025 – 3rd Sunday in Advent Text: Matthew 11:2-11

 Sermon 14^th December 2025 – 3^rd Sunday in Advent

Text: Matthew 11:2-11

In today’s Gospel, we hear of John the Baptist—imprisoned, uncertain, and longing for assurance.  He sends his disciples to Jesus with a question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” It is a profoundly human moment despite John’s divine calling.  Even John, the fiery prophet who prepared the way, wrestles with doubt. And in his question, we find our own questions echoed: Is Jesus truly the one?  Can we trust him with our lives, our hopes, our future?

What was Jesus’ Response? Notice how Jesus answers.  He does not give a simple “yes” or “no.”  Instead, he points to the evidence of God’s kingdom breaking into the world: The blind see. The lame walk. Lepers are cleansed. The deaf hear. The dead are raised. The poor receive good news.

Jesus invites John—and us—to look at what is happening, to see the signs of God’s authority happening, and to recognize that Jesus’ authority is not defined by power or force, but by healing, mercy, and hope.

Then Jesus turns to the crowd and speaks of John. He honors him: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” But, again, he points people to a different honour that the world doesn’t understand about Jesus and his authority. He adds something surprising: “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist.” This is not to diminish John, but to highlight the radical nature of God’s kingdom.

Greatness is not measured by status, achievement, or what the world understands as power. It is measured by belonging to Christ and being part of the new creation he brings.

So what does this mean for us today? In means having faith in what might seem uncertainty: St James gives the same encouragement when he says: Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. Like John, we may face times of doubt or confusion as to what God is doing. Jesus does not scold John for asking questions.  Instead, he offers reassurance. Our questions are not signs of failure but opportunities to understand Jesus more deeply.

Jesus calls us to notice where God’s kingdom is breaking into our worlds—through acts of kindness, healing, justice, and love.  John the Baptist couldn’t see that. All he could see was the 4 walls of his prison. In a world often marked by despair that is sometimes all that we see. It’s easy to see the wars, the violence, the natural disasters.

John’s question arose from imprisonment and uncertainty. Our questions about God can come from our suffering. These questions can be invitations to move deeper into God’s truth.  Jesus meets John’s question with mercy, with evidence, and with a  gentle invitation to trust the signs. Very similar to how Jesus meets doubting Thomas – not with rebuke for his doubts but with an invitation to delve deeper into the mysteries of God. Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe

So too, with John the Baptist, Jesus points us to different signs. Signs that remind us that Jesus is at work. God’s works are often larger and different to our expectations. The Kingdom comes with healing and good news to the poor, not with physical triumph or political power.

When we expect an earthly breakthrough we might miss the more ordinary, daily miracles of mercy, mercy that forgives, that restores relationships, that provides for those in need, that includes the outsider and the vulnerable.  We are called to see the acts of mercy and grace God is weaving in ordinary days. True greatness is not about being first, strongest, or most successful. It’s not about everything always going our way. It is about humility, service, and trust in God. Even the “least” in the kingdom shares in the immeasurable gift of Christ’s love.

As we journey in faith through this Advent season, let us remember John’s question and Jesus’ answer. When we wonder, “Is Jesus truly the one?”—we need only look at the signs of life, hope, and love that surround us. We need to look again at the Christmas revelation in John 3:16 - 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. That is true greatness. That is the true work of Jesus Christ our Lord. As we go out this day let us take time to see where in your life is God inviting you to trust more fully?

Are you clinging to an expectation of how God should work, rather than embracing how God is choosing to work?  Are there people you might overlook whom the Kingdom is blessing in hidden ways—the poor, the outcast, the quiet servants in your community?

So let us live as witnesses to that kingdom, exampling patience, mercy, and joy, so that others may see in us the evidence that Christ is indeed the one who has come, and who is still coming into our world today and in whom we can place our trust. As St James encourages us:  Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

 

Sermon 7th December 2025 – 2nd Sunday in Advent Text: Matthew 3:1-13 – Living in the wilderness

 Sermon 7^th December 2025 – 2^nd Sunday in Advent

Text: Matthew 3:1-13 – Living in the wilderness

 

Today we meet John the Baptist, a fiery prophet clothed in camel’s hair, living on locusts and wild honey.  He bursts onto the scene in the wilderness with a message that is both urgent and unsettling:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  Last week we heard about complacency with the return of  Jesus coming at an unexpected hour like an unexpected thief in the night. But John’s words cut through complacency, calling people to turn their lives around now and prepare for the coming of Christ whose coming is imminent. Repent – the kingdom HAS come near.

 

The focus is not on John—it’s on us.  John’s message asks: How do we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s  arrival? John doesn’t preach in the temple or marketplace but in the wilderness. This message is not intended to stay within the 4 walls of our churches but to go out into the wilderness where the people are who need to hear this message. The wilderness is a place that can be hostile. For Israel, the wilderness was where they learned dependence on God during the Exodus all the while not knowing what they would eat and drink having to rely on God providing heavenly manna and miraculous water from a rock. The wilderness for Jesus was a place of temptation by Satan where he did not eat or drink for 40 days where he relied on his heavenly Father to provide for him rather than turning rocks into bread. For Elijah the wilderness was a place where he was fed by ravens and thought he was all alone and wanted to die. For us, the wilderness might be times of uncertainty where we hunger and thirst for righteous, where we feel all alone and where we wait for God which become times of Spiritual growth.

 

So what we learn from John the Baptist, Israel, Elijah, Jesus and others is that sometimes God calls us into wilderness spaces so we can truly hear Him and learn to rely on God and grow spiritually. John’s central message is repentance. Repentance is more that just feeling sorry for what we’ve done but turning around, reorienting life toward God. The Greek word for repentance is – metanoia – meta – to change – and noia – our minds and being. It’s a change of our physical and spiritual orientation. Listen again next time to the questions asked when we have confession of sins – Do you confess that you have sinned and do you repent of your sins? And: Do you intend, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live as in God’s presence and strive to lead a holy life – even as Christ has made you holy.

 

Repentance is understanding that at all times we are living in God’s presence. Which is what John meant when he said – the Kingdom of God is near. It is here – with us – now Repentance is active: it bears fruit.

As John said – bear fruit in keeping with repentance. John warns against empty religion—“Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor.’” We could say – do not presume to say to yourselves – I go to church regularly – I give to the offering regularly. True repentance shows a change in being - in justice, mercy, humility, and love. And also abandoning our sinful lifestyles. We heard that from St Paul in last week’s reading: Let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, These works of darkness, as Paul calls them, seem enticing and offering a freedom of lifestyle – no accountability – but they entrap us.

 

Repentance is not about guilt but about freedom—turning from what enslaves us to embrace God’s kingdom. It’s not always easy to break out of those lifestyles or encourage others to do so. They seem so freeing but become addictive and entrapping. John uses what seem like harsh images: you brood of vipers - an axe at the root of the trees, unfruitful trees thrown into the fire, chaff burned away. But sometimes harsh words are needed to show harsh realities of sin. These are not threats for fear’s sake, but reminders that God’s kingdom is decisive—it demands a response.

 

The fire John speaks about is both judgment and purification.  Christ’s baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire refines us, burning away what is false so that what is true may shine. God’s kingdom is very active in drawing us away from things that take us away from God. It confronts us with a choice:  Will we bear fruit or continue as dead branches?

 

John’s mission from God is to prepare the way for Jesus. And he can only do that by pointing away from himself to Jesus: “He who is coming after me is more powerful than I.” Likewise, Advent is about  preparation—not just for our Christmas celebrations with friends and family, but preparing hearts to receive Christ. We prepare by repentance, by turning away from things that separate us from God and  making room for the Holy Spirit to work in us. Let us not be like that first Christmas where there was no room at the inn for Jesus but let us always make room in our hearts for him. And that means clearing away those things that work against the Holy Spirit: pride, greed, and fear, so that love, joy, and peace can take root.

 

John the Baptist’s voice still cries out today: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” And let us remember that: In our wilderness moments, God is near. In our repentance, God brings freedom. In the fire, God purifies and renews. So let us not only hear John’s cry but respond—bearing fruit worthy of repentance, living as people ready for the kingdom of heaven because it is near. So  John’s words invite us to a personal response.  How will we prepare the way for the Lord this Christmas?  How can we bear fruit in keeping with repentance in our families, workplaces, and communities to show that Christmas is more than just holidays and feasting?  The answer is not a long list of perfect deeds but a life of humility and dependence on God.

 

As we stand in this moment of Advent again this year, we are reminded that the kingdom of heaven is near.  Our response is faithfulness—receiving God’s mercy, living out repentance, and walking in the power of the Spirit until the day when Jesus will gather his harvest and make all things new.

Sermon 30th November 2026 – 1st Sunday in Advent Text: Matthew 24:36-44 – The unexpected arrival.

 Sermon 30^th November 2026 – 1^st Sunday in Advent

Text: Matthew 24:36-44 – The unexpected arrival.

 

Imagine a friend is arriving from overseas – they’re not sure what time their flight gets in, how long they have to wait to get through customs or how long to retrieve their luggage and then grab a cab to come and stay at your house. You don’t know what time they are coming, but you do know the day. So you have your house ready for any moment even though it could be hours away. You don’t start tidying up as you see the taxi pull up or the doorbell ring. Jesus speaks not of a guest, but of His return—a moment that will reshape history and eternity.  And the haunting truth?  No one knows when – not even the day.

 

This passage isn’t meant to stir fear, but to awaken faith – because faith removes all fear. Jesus affirms the mystery of His return.  Even He, despite being God himself, does not claim knowledge of the hour or day. Only his Heavenly Father knows but has not revealed when. Some wish he would hurry up and fix this world, but as St Peter says – The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 

This reveals the heart of the Father and invites us to trust rather than try and speculate Jesus’ return as many have tried over the centuries. What Jesus does say is that before his return it will be like the days of Noah. If we look back to Genesis 6 we will see what the “Days of Noah” were like  Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. People might say, - see, it’s just like Noah’s day – corruption, violence. God needs to do something about them. But is that what Jesus points out about the days of Noah? No. He says - in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. It wasn’t about the corruption and the violence – it was about the complacency. And that’s not “THEM” – that’s all of us.

 

This is not a call for God to do something about THEM – it’s about making sure that we are ALL ready for Christ to return. The days of Noah are a sobering parallel.  People were living ordinary lives—eating, drinking, marrying—until the flood came.  The point isn’t that these activities are wrong, but that they can lull us into spiritual sleep if we forget that Jesus will one day return. And consider the examples: Two people doing the same task—one taken, one left.  This isn’t about geography, but about readiness. The division is not based on occupation, but on their relationship with Jesus?  Who do you say that I am.

 

The surprise imagery is used often and here we have the thief imagery which is used in several bible readings.  If we knew when a thief would come, we’d be ready.  And not only that but we protect ourselves from surprise intrustions. We deadlock our homes. We set alarms. But just look how complacent we can get with those. I’ll hide a key under the mat so I don’t have to be bothered carrying a key around. Or how do you feel when the neighbour’s alarm goes off in the middle of the night? Is it concern for your neighbour or frustration at the annoyance? Or when the smoke alarm “low battery” beep goes off in the middle of the night. Do you rush and get a battery to replace it or take it out and perhaps get around to it tomorrow. Isn’t that how Jesus’ return has been treated? He won’t come today or tomorrow – I’ll worry about my lifestyle later.

 

Jesus uses this to highlight the urgency of spiritual vigilance. His return will be sudden but when the time is right. The sad part is the missing out. There was no visible difference between the 2. The workers in the field, does not say one was evil and the other was good. Or the parable of the 10 bridesmaids where 5 miss out – not because they were evil but because they were unprepared. So how do we live in light of this?

Stay Spiritually Awake

We are called to live with eyes open. Watchfulness is not paranoia or fear; it’s attentiveness to God’s presence and purposes in our daily lives. Prayer, bibles, worship. Be Faithful in the ordinary parts of life.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to abandon our daily lives. Like he did with Peter, James and John when they dropped their nets and followed Jesus. He doesn’t say eating and drinking and marrying are wrong. He asks us to infuse our everyday tasks with faith - with a heart that says, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

 

Extend Grace and Hope to others. If Christ could return at any moment, how should we treat others?

As Paul reminded us - You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near

We live with urgency, but also with compassion.  Every conversation could be a seed that leads to eternity or, sadly, could turn a person away from God.

 

The book of Revelation ends with the cry - “Maranatha”—“Come, Lord.”  It’s not a call of dread, but longing for our Lord to return.  Jesus doesn’t give us a date. Jesus isn’t asking us to predict;

He’s asking us to prepare.  To live ready.  To walk in faith, serve in love, and wait in hope. So let us be found faithful—not frantic.  Let us be watchful—not worried.  And let us live each day as if it matters eternally—because it does. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians -  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. Not tomorrow. As Jesus says - “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”  It  isn’t about fear of the unknown hour but trust in a faithful God who welcomes us into His kingdom when the time is right.

 

Sermon 23rd November 2025 – Christ the King Sunday Title – a King and Kingdom reverseed

 Sermon 23^rd November 2025 – Christ the King Sunday

Title – a King and Kingdom reverseed

Today we celebrate Christ the King, a phrase that might surprises people when they read Jesus’ coronation as King:  This King wears not a golden crown but a crown of thorns. He marches to war but finds his victory by death on the cross. Who conquers his enemy not by physical force but by love and humility. Who enters with a parade in his honour not in a chariot but on a donkey. If the world sees kingship in power and dominion, then Jesus invites us to look again at the kingship that he reveals. A klng, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing.

He is King not having forced his way into leadership with spin-doctors and political donations, but by self-giving mercy; God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father  Not by status, but by service; not by the triumph of human might and weaponry, but by the victory of his love. When Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers, “My kingdom is not of this world.” If my kingdom were of this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from handing over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.

So Jesus admits that he is a King – but his kingdom is very different to how we perceive a Kingdom should be. It’s very similar to what he said to Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night Jesus was arrested. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, Peter reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Even the crowds don’t understand – the one they wanted to crown as King looks nothing like what they expected: The crowd taunts him;  You call yourself a King – come down from the cross and we’ll believe in you. But one of the most unlikely people does recognise Jesus as King- a thief dying on the cross next to Jesus: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”, To which Jesus replies: Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.

That is Jesus’ Kingdom. Maybe this reveals that sometimes it is when we are in the depths of despair when we truly see God’s true kingdom. Isn’t that what Paul says – when I am weak then I am strong – because Christ’s power rests on me. Paul, when writing to the Colossians speaks about that unseen realm:  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible

The ultimate triumph of Jesus is not a political victory but the universal reign of divine mercy. Jesus is a king who reveals himself through love. Jesus’ kingship turns the usual tests of greatness on their head.  He wears a crown, but it is a crown of thorns; his throne is a cross; his sword is the word of truth spoken with compassion.  Even as we read Jesus sermon on the mount it’s all about showing signs of the opposite in his Kingdom.

Turning the other cheek.

Loving your enemy.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

 Blessed are those who mourn,

Blessed are the meek,

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

Blessed are the merciful,

Blessed are the pure in heart,

Blessed are the peacemakers,

Blessed are those who are persecuted

These are all opposite kingdom qualities in Jesus’ Kingdom.

So, as Paul says, his signs of rule are not to be served but signs of service—washing feet, forgiving sins, welcoming the outsider, feeding the hungry, inviting the sinner into fullness of life. So if we fully want to understand Jesus’ kingdom then it can only be seen when we participate in Jesus Kingdom qualities: With signs of service—washing feet, forgiving sins, welcoming the outsider, feeding the hungry, inviting the sinner into fullness of life.

This mystery we are invited to embrace is this: true Kingship is exercised in self-emptying love. True power is shown in mercy that keeps no records of wrongs. The one who is King rules by reconciliation, not by dominating over others; The one who is King rules by justice that heals, not by vengeance; by truth that sets free, not by fear that binds.

Where is the kingdom today?  Well, St Paul reveals where that Kingdom is today - He is the head of the body, the church; If Christ’s kingship is present, we should see it enacted in his body – the church: Where mercy overrides pride;  Where integrity and fairness prevail;  Where the stranger is welcomed;  Where reconciliation replaces division.  Jesus’ kingship asks us to examine our own hearts:

Do we live as if we were merely subjects of a powerful master, or as people who share in his reign by serving others? Do we seek to build up, or to gain advantage? Are we bearing witness to the Kingdom of love here and now? We are called to surrender our own agendas for the sake of our neighbour. The cross shows that mercy is not weakness but courage.  To follow Christ means forgiving as we have been forgiven, and offering mercy even when it costs us.

Jesus’ Kingdom prioritises justice that protects the vulnerable, the poor, the outsider, the elderly, the sick, the needy. Our faith moves us to work for systems and structures that reflect dignity and care for all. Christ’s Kingdom invites reconciliation within families, parishes, and nations. Our allegiance to him should break down walls, not build or deepen them.

We can do that with a listening ear, a helping hand, a word of encouragement. Showing forgiveness rather than harboring resentment; seeking reconciliation rather than revenge or working out who was right and who was wrong. In welcoming the “other”: the stranger, the poor, the outsider, we let hospitality be a sign of the Kingdom.

As this reversed King, Jesus seemingly goes against our expectations. Like John the Baptist – the one who prepared the way for Jesus finds himself in jail. He sends a delegation to see if this was the one he was preparing the way for. Are you the one or should we expect someone else – someone more powerful, perhaps. To which Jesus reveals his true power: He is the one who brought good news to the poor, proclaimed release to the captives, and set free the oppressed.

Jesus continued to defy expectations. As his life on earth was ending, he brought compassion even to the repentant thief. Here was our king: gasping, choking, yet filled with mercy as he prayed, “Forgive them.” To the one who was able to see the way God is at work and wanted to be part of his Kingdom, he said, “Today you will be with me in paradise. As our King, Jesus extends that same promise to you – you will be with me in paradise. That, is our King.