Most families have little sense of this season we call Advent. Even church communities struggle to find appropriate ways to celebrate Advent.

Advent means "coming", the coming of Christ among us at his birth and his coming in glory at the end of time.

Perhaps we can best prepare for Christmas by taking the time to allow God's word to take root in our busy lives as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the baptism of Lorraine and Cherie this Sunday we stand with them as they move forward in their relationship with God. Please pray for them as they take this important step.

 Find out what Churches of Christ believe about baptism...

What have you done in my name today, child?
Who have you sheltered or fed?
How many lives have been warmed by my touch
Through something you've done or said?
How many, burdened by doubt and despair
As they struggle through trouble and strife,
Gained courage and hope as you openly spoke
Of the way to a new, better life?
How many lonely hearts, searching for love,
Found their emptiness filled when you shared?
How many suffering found comfort and peace
In the knowledge that somebody cared?
How many souls did you save from destruction
By leading them into the light?
How many wrongs did you try to prevent
By taking a stand for what's right?
By mindful that when you love others, my child,
You're showing your love for me, too
Now I ask you once more what you've done in my name -
And how much are you willing to do?

- from "Thorns and Thrones" by B.J. Hoff 

Jodie Lee Booker (aged 12) wrote this on the whiteboard in the God's Gang room. It is worth sharing with everyone.

God loves us:

I know God loves us when others are happy;
nice, sunny days;
when having fun;
people are smiling;
when the whole world is happy;
when I know God is near me

Thanking God:

I thank God for flowers, grass and trees;
food and drinks;
water;
school;
playgrounds and parks;
for this world and the earth

Why God is special:

He created us;
He gives us food to eat and water to drink;
He created living things - animals, people, us!
He created trees, plants, grass and flowers

God created this earth:

He created all people and all living things;
weather;
beautiful features like waterfalls, rainbows, lakes and the ocean

How do you know if people believe in God?

If they are Christians;
If they are Catholic;
If they go to Christian schools or Catholic schools;
If they wear a 'cross' necklace;
If they own a Bible;

Sarah Louise Booker (aged 10) added this:

God did lots of things for us. He made us, animals, plants, water, weather, lightning, thunder and rain.

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How would you express your faith and what you believe about God? You could write a statement of faith based on your experience of knowing that God loves you. What could you thank God for? Does God have a special place in your life? How do others know that you believe in God? Thanks, Jodie and Sarah, for sharing your faith with us.