Today, we have the chance to affirm, once again, that God has chosen us and that we now belong to him.

We can now carry forth that Christmas hope of God’s mercy out into the world and reflect the light of Christ in the dark corners of our world.

We are sinners. Each and every one of us. The reason for the season is the light of salvation that casts away the darkness of sin.

When we hear the voice from the wilderness, may we have ears to listen and hearts to understand.

May we heed his call to stay awake, stay alert, and keep working so that we too can be prepared.

When our love grows cold for our neighbour, when we feel lost, alone, and broken, our walk in Christ reminds us to rise up again to the calling of Christ the King: a King who, humbly and without fanfare, has called us his Friends.

In response to amazing grace, don’t freeze or hide in fear. Be courageous. Step out to take risks.

It is in moments like this, even when we are surrounded by death, that death doesn’t have the final say, evil doesn’t have the final say. God does.

Who are the saints that you are grateful for this day? Who helped set you on your spiritual path?

So, the question before us is how might we be God’s hands in the world, now and in the years to come? What do you want, what do you desire for this parish? What is your prayer on your heart for this place that you wish to offer to God?

“What golden calf might I let go of, so that I can take on something new in my walk with Christ in the coming year?”

We hope that each and every person takes the time to reflect on how you serve here in your spiritual home. Each of you has a place here. Each of you has something unique to offer.

How can we be the best allies we can be to all whom we meet?

We will not see our enemy -- all our uncertainties -- swallowed up into the sea, but we will be delivered by our God. That is the promise of God to the Israelites, and that is the promise of God to us through the waters of our baptism.

Like the Israelites wandering through the desert who longed for a return to comfort and security of the old ways, there is something deep within us that also desires a return to our old ways.

And so it is for us, as that promise and covenant has been renewed in Jesus, where we walk the way of Christ hand in hand with God.

Pharaoh tries to make the Nile River, Egypt’s main source of water and life, into an instrument of death. Yet the three women allies succeed in making the river a place of rescue and life.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. Holding a grudge imprisons you. Forgiveness sets you free.