The Gospel and Adoption into God’s Family: Galatians 4:1-7Paul introduces the ideas of adoption and inheritance based on the experience of the Gentile areas he is preaching to. Adopted children could inherit all that belonged to the family. All those blessings are ours in Christ Jesus. We do not need to look back.

Paul is aware of tensions between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians in the church in Rome and some of the Gentiles questioning the importance of the Jews at that time. Paul explains the Jewish historical heritage which remains important. Jesus, the Messiah was a Jew and Paul himself.

About 120 people who had followed Jesus remained in Jerusalem including the eleven remaining Apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus and Jesus' brothers and other disciples - both men and women. A twelfth Apostle was chosen.

Two members of the Sanhedrin bury Jesus, watched by a group of women. The divine Jesus did not die but went to be with his Father, but the human Jesus did die and was buried in a sealed tomb.

Jesus challenges those following him about the need to make a response to his message. That will depend on how people listen. Christians have two families which can bring conflict, as it did for Jesus.

Jesus in his home, Nazareth, reads in the synagogue from Isaiah about the Servant of the Lord. This is Jesus' spiritual manifesto. The Spirit appointed him to preach, proclaim freedom from sin, heal, free the oppressed and declare God's favour. Mixed reception from his hearers.

At a village wedding in Cana the wine runs out. Jesus did not want to go public at that time but performs the miracle of water to wine, described by John as a sign. Marriage is endorsed. Teaching is given on alcohol.

Jesus is taken to Jerusalem at Passover but goes missing on the return journey. His parents re-trace their steps to the Temple where he is conversing with spiritual leaders. He shows an awareness of his true identity and his knowledge of the Scriptures. He is obedient and grows up in the family.

Herod is angry. Joseph, warned in a dream, takes the family to Egypt where they are refugees. They return to Nazareth, in Galilee. Matthew uses many Old Testament prophecies.

The identity, origin and journey of the Magi are all discussed. Links trace back to the Old Testament. The star phenomena is considered. Herod the Great is introduced and the effect of the Magi's visit.