into a whole new life

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

"...from the earliest days of the church’s life…the story of Jesus became their story, in the sense that they believed they had died with Jesus; they had suffered with him, been crucified with him, been buried with him. Somehow – and this mystery lies at the very heart of authentic Christian experience – they believed, and knew it to be true because of the utter difference it made to life, that through baptism and faith they were living in Jesus, and he was living in them....Yes, there is more. Easter and all that follows gives a further dimension. But take one thing at a time. It is through Jesus’ crucifixion, Matthew insists, that he becomes what he was born to be: the Saviour (Mt1.21). And this is how he does it: by extending his arms on the cross, enfolding us in that God-with-us embrace, and bringing us with him through death into a whole new life."

Prayer for Today

Thank you, loving King. Thank you.
And may we take great joy with us into this day, reflecting on what you have done, are doing, and will do.
Yes, and very amen, in your name.

(Quote: Wright, N. T.; Wright, N. T.. Lent for Everyone: Matthew, Year A (p. 118). Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Kindle Edition.)