One of my great joys in summer has been to attend a day at the test cricket in Sydney. Here I have seen Shane Warne take his 300th wicket in an innings against South Africa while on another occasion I witnessed Steve Waugh make his last test appearance in a match against India. But, sadly, this year the cricket was pretty much washed out. The rain came and it hung around. Consequently my life had to concentrate on other summer “priorities”.

Early January is a relaxed time for most of us and our focus is on taking it easy and enjoying the sun (when it does shine!). But there is more to January than this. January is a significant time in terms of our faith.

In the run-up to Christmas we acknowledged the four Sundays of Advent as a time to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Then on 25th December we celebrated the birth of Christ and this marks the Twelve days of Christmas that conclude on 5th January. Then, as we moved into January, Sunday 6th marked the beginning of Epiphany. This runs through the heart of our summer period to the beginning of Lent on 10th February.

“Epiphany” means “to show”, “to make known” or “to reveal”. During this period we are encouraged to reflect on the ministry of Jesus, the one who makes God known to us all. So, whatever you are doing during this summer time, do take time to think about Jesus and to consider who Jesus is for you. Epiphany is an important time of the year. May your faith be nurtured and enriched. Importantly, may Jesus, God’s Son and our Saviour, be close to you as this summer time meanders by.

John Barr