The 27th December (the third day of Christmas) marks St John the Evangelist’s Day. In Merrow, we are so fortunate to have our church dedicated to the ‘greatest’ of the four evangelists. John’s Gospel is the most reflective and theological of all the gospels.  Mathew, Mark and Luke recount the story of Jesus, whereas John reflects on what this means and is an extended meditation on the true significance of the life of Jesus. 

It is only in John’s gospel that the seven ‘I am’ sayings are recorded. Three of these feature on our beautiful stained glass windows:

 “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35) - in St John's South Window by the prayer area.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11) - in St John's NW Window by the font.

 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25) - in St John's East Window.

The remaining four are:

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9).

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

Looking ahead to 2021, I would like to encourage you to do the following:

1. Think about who your faith gurus are and consider making St John your faith guru for 2021.

2. Read the complete gospel of St John. Take your time to savour the exquisite beauty and potency of this gospel.

3. Come to church and spot the places that are unique to St John. 

Perhaps we can make 2021 the year of St John? Imagine if we could dedicate more windows to one or more of the ‘missing I ams’. I am determined to make our church even more special next year, as together we reflect on this giant of our faith.

The Collect for 27th December

‘Merciful Father, whose Son is the light of the world, so guide your church by the teaching of your Apostle and Evangelist St John, that we may walk by the Light that has come among us and finally know Him as the Light of everlasting life, who is alive and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Amen.

With blessings

Rev. Rona