Encounter Sunday 2024 Proximity Church Encounter Sunday 2024 Proximity Church

Mary: Embracing the Gaze of God

Experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of Mary and the shepherds. Discover how God's gaze invites us into a life of joy and holiness.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or listen online

The Christmas season brings with it a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound stories that shape our faith. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus, exploring the divine invitation that God extends to each of us.

Our discussion begins with a charming anecdote about a child’s invitation to dance, which serves as a metaphor for the greater invitation that God presents. Just as the child’s innocent request draws everyone into a moment of joy and play, God’s invitation calls us into a life of holiness and divine favour.

The narrative of Mary, a young girl chosen to carry and nurture the Son of God, is central to our exploration. We reflect on the angel Gabriel’s words to Mary, which were not just a call to bear a child, but an invitation to embrace a life filled with divine purpose and favour. Despite her initial fear and feelings of unworthiness, Mary’s acceptance of this invitation is a testament to her faith and courage.

We also consider the roles of the shepherds and the wise men in the Christmas story. These unlikely witnesses to Jesus’ birth remind us that God’s invitations are extended to everyone, regardless of societal status or past actions. The shepherds, often seen as unworthy, are among the first to witness the Messiah's birth, while the wise men, coming from afar, signify that God’s love and invitation transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

Throughout the episode, we emphasise the concept of God’s gaze. Unlike a fleeting glance, God’s gaze is one of deep admiration and love, inviting us to see ourselves as worthy and favoured. This divine gaze transforms our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, calling us to respond with worship and joy.

As we journey through the Christmas season, let us remember the profound invitations present in the story of Jesus’ birth. Whether we relate to Mary, the shepherds, or the wise men, God’s gaze is upon us, inviting us into a life of joy, holiness, and divine purpose.

Tune in to our podcast to explore these themes further and be inspired by the incredible stories of faith that shape our understanding of Christmas. Let this season be one of reflection, acceptance, and joyous worship as we embrace the divine invitation before us.

Read More
Encounter Sunday 2024 Proximity Church Encounter Sunday 2024 Proximity Church

Jesus's Baptism and Temptation

Reading from Matthew 3 and 4, Christie Harman teaches how we can find our identity, calling and power in God, and how it can help us defeat evil.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or listen online

In this episode, we talk about what happened during Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and what we can learn from it. Jesus faced a lot of tough choices, but He stayed true to His purpose because He knew who He was and what God wanted Him to do. He used the Bible to fight off temptation, and we can do the same!

We’ll explore how we can stay strong when life is hard, how to remember who we are in God, and how to make good choices even when we feel weak or tempted. Just like Jesus did, we can trust in God’s Word and stay true to what God calls us to do.

Tune in to hear how we can stand strong and live the way God wants us to, no matter what life throws at us!

Read More