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.
B
Be Baptised. "When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered the new country of grace - a new life in a new land!" Romans 6:2
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"Avoid every kind of evil" 1 Thessalonians 5:22
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"Put your entire trust in Master Jesus. Then you'll live as you were meant to live" Acts 16:31
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"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. run to God! Run from evil!" Proverbs 3:5-7
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"If anyone loves me (Jesus), he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him - we'll move right into the neighbourhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words" John 14:23-24
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"Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which w can be saved, only this one (Jesus)" Acts 4:12
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"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" Romans 15:13
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?
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.
Are you new here, and wondering what we're all about? Well, let us show you around - check out some of the links below, and contact us with any other questions.
Who is Jesus? Some FAQ's about Jesus and Christianity