Dear friends,
Sunday 1st January – a new year and a new beginning, a year on from our move into our new Holy Trinity Church and in the
Church Calendar, the Feast of the Naming of Jesus. Every young family knows the significance of naming their child, a
name to live by for the rest of their days, nick names excepted! For Mary and Joseph there were plenty of indicators from the known
scriptures. For example, their ancestors for many hundreds of years had long hoped for a great leader to emerge like Moses or
King David who would once again inspire and lead with strength, wisdom and compassion for the people. Prophets had foretold that
the Messiah would come as a child, a son who would be called, Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace. In another place it was said a young woman would give birth to a son whose name would be Emmanuel which means God
with us.
Mary and Joseph knew their child was special but not necessarily the Messiah. This was proclaimed after Jesus life, death and
resurrection. However, they were guided by God to name him Jesus, which means Savior or One Who Saves. Jesus lived by his
name and so do we.
Come Lord Jesus and save your people.
Ma te Atua koe e manaaki
God bless you
Philip