Faith

\While Advent is generally a season of waiting, penitence and preparation - a time when we slow down, reflect, and hold onto hope as we look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus - the third Sunday of Advent - also known as Gaudete Sunday - stands out as different.

I have to acknowledge what happened in my past and accept that I can’t change it. But that does not mean my past should dictate my future.

We don’t always understand why things happen the way they do and that's okay. God is asking us to trust that he can use every situation to show his love for us.

Pretending everything is okay can be easier then admitting that you need help. Asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do.

Mary Magdalene will play a prominent role as a witness to Jesus’ burial & resurrection but for now let’s examine her nature & character.

There lived in the village of Bethany a happy family. Alas, sorrow may visit even the happiest of homes. John 11 begins, "Lazarus was sick."

It may seem peculiar to begin a Lent series with Mary's song of joy, but these 'Mary' reflections will take us into Holy Week, I promise.

There are times when life can take a sudden turn. One moment the sun is shining, all is plain sailing, and then suddenly... Wham!

Sometimes in life we feel we've been cast overboard into the stormy ocean. We have two choices: wallow in the waves or look for a life raft!

Jesus will never put us down or try to make us feel less of ourselves. To him, all our offerings are precious, valued, cherished, recognised

Is the call to repentance and the assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel, of greatest importance during the season of Lent?

Wandering between these ancient and remarkably intact walls, I get the sense of community and hospitality once shared here.

As the sounds of visitors ebb and flow in the chapels around us, I wait. I feel the connection, the continuation of 900 years of worship.

Is rest & relaxation enough, family time in the sun sufficient? Many would say yes, it recharges my batteries, reminds me what's important.

What does it mean for God to draw near? God is everywhere, and yet evidence dictates there are times when he at least feels distant.

It’s funny, the course of our lives, the hobbies and interests we choose or fall into. For many of us life just somehow happens...

The Lord God has abundant mercy & never-ending love, so, whether we’re dead in our wrongdoings or alive in Christ, his mercy will enfold us.

There is something about creation which – both at the same time – makes my heart swell within me and shrinks me to the size of an ant.

We have a hope because knowing Jesus brings contentment regardless of material possessions and joy despite difficult circumstances.

The best children’s address I ever heard on the fruits of the Spirit was by a guy who linked each one to a real fruit of the same initial.