At the start of this week of prayer for Christian unity, John the Baptist sets an extraordinary pattern of what it looks like to point people towards Jesus. He sets his own ego aside to recognise the One who is greater than himself.

Matthew's Gospel jumps straight from the Magi's visit to the infant Christ straight to his Baptism over thirty years later. This sets an example to the rest of us, we are called to shine God's light to the world and follow the calling he has for us.

After Jesus' born he is visited my some mysterious astrologers and magicians from the Persian East. In this we see how, although there is something special in God's election of the Jewish people, His redemptive plan for humanity goes beyond all ethnic or national borders.

Like playing with bubbles, some of us prefer to watch Christmas from afar, but children remind us that if there is one word to sum up the Christmas spirit, it's 'joy'. But joy is far more than just being happy when things go your way. It's a deep-seated sense of hope and contentment, knowing Jesus came to be with us.

Children remind us that if there is one word to sum up the Christmas spirit, it's 'joy'. But joy is far more than just being happy when things go your way. It's a deep-seated sense of hope and contentment, knowing we are not alone.

If there is one word to sum up the Christmas spirit, it's 'joy'. But joy is far more than just being happy when things go your way. It's a deep-seated sense of hope and contentment, even in the tougher times.

In the final talk looking at some of the first few people in Jesus' family tree, Hannah reflects on how we all fall short, and the idea that our 'smallest' sin no less wrong than David's actions of rape, adultery and murder. The good news though is that for all sin, Jesus offers forgiveness.

In the story of Ruth and Boaz we encounter a tale that is not romantic but a matter of survival, marked by generosity, courage and compassion shown within - and beyond - the law. Their faithfulness to justice, mercy and care for the vulnerable not only sustains life in a harsh world, but also foreshadows the values that Jesus himself would later embody and proclaim.

The story of Ruth is an inspirational tale centered around the willingness of one woman to opt in. It teaches us about what it is to put others first, and - more importantly - how deep God's faithfulness goes.

Prostitution and sex-work is a difficult topic, as the vast majority of women involved are the victims of abuse or trafficking, although some want to recast it as empowerment. In the Family Tree of Jesus, we see the importance of placing people at the heart, to show love to all without judgement or prejudice.

Regardless of where we have hurt others, Jesus still comes to meet us.

Matthew opens his Gospel with a genealogy of Jesus, inviting us to reflect on the complex and messy history from Abraham to the Messiah. In the pain and powerlessness of so many we see God's promise prevail.