Isaiah 58: 7-10
God speaks to our heart, urging us to live lives of solidarity and mercy.

1 Corinthians 2: 1-5
How Paul explained the Gospel: very simply, and relying on the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5: 13-16
Jesus encourages us to let our light shine in the sight of the world.

Malachi 3: 1-4
The fifth-century BC prophet Malachi foresees a time when the Lord will ‘enter his Temple’.

Hebrews 2: 14-18
The genuine humanity of Jesus is underlined: he became completely like his brothers and sisters, complying with the rituals of his people.

Luke 2: 22-40

The story of how Mary and Joseph fulfilled the Law, but also how Jesus made his first appearance in the Temple and was recognised as saviour of all, Jew and Gentile alike.

Isaiah 8:23 – 9:3
The prophet speaks of a light to enlighten the people.

1 Corinthians 1:10–13. 17
Paul appeals to his readers to be united in mind and heart – acting otherwise would rob the cross of Christ of its power.

Matthew 4: 12-23
Jesus says to his first disciples, “Follow me”, and immediately they follow him.

Isaiah 49: 3. 5-6
The chosen one of God is the light of the nations who will bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

1 Corinthians 1: 1-3
Paul’s greeting to his community is of grace and peace in the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 1: 29-34
The chosen one of God will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 42: 1-4. 6-7
The Suffering servant, filled with the Holy Spirit, is also the one who will open the eyes of those who are blind, free prisoners and bring light to those in darkness.

Acts 10: 34-38
It is because God has no favourites that Jesus was able to help and heal everyone who came to him.

Matthew 3: 13-17
John reluctantly baptises Jesus, whom God then acknowledged as ‘my Son, the Beloved’.