In today’s Gospel we hear that a group of desperate people, promised a Messiah they are willing to hang their hat on any prophet/holy man who comes by.  They seem like a thirsty, thirsty group, aching for their Saviour. ‘The people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John whether he might be the Messiah.’ (Luke 3:15)

John the Baptist, humble and honest tells them that he is not the one they seek for ‘one who is more powerful than I is coming ….. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ (Luke 3:16)

But the line that hits me hard is ‘You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.’

Even if you are Jesus, does this still hit hard?  Does it warm you to your core?  Make you smile?  Even if you are Jesus, does it feel AMAZING when your dad is proud of you?  I hope that we can look back at our childhood and pinpoint a time when one of our parents told us they were proud, told us they loved us, told you they were well pleased.  Remember the sunshine that put into our souls?  How a few special words made us walk on air, feel secure and smile on the inside for a long time?

How about we do that for someone today?  Tell someone you are proud of them.  Tell them they make a difference.  Tell them that they create sunshine.  Let them know.

by Katherine Gilmore