A very merry Christmas to all of our readers and supporters. May Christ richly dwell in your hearts and minds at this time of the year. Remember all that He has done for you and your family. My favorite Christmas carol is the classic O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Enjoy this rendition by our Tasmanian friend Christina Baehr, and visit her website here and her family's Pilgrim Hill project here.

The season of Advent is well and truly upon us. We are preparing down to celebrate the Messiah’s birth. In the southern hemisphere we enjoy long light filled evenings, warm days and madness in the shops! I suppose that latter characteristic is shared worldwide. The cliches; “know the reason for the season” or “Jesus is the reason for the season” are well known. These shallow, immature statements tell some of the truth for this season, but there is so much more. Captivating stories of servitude, humility, braveness and faithful obedience provide us context with how the Church has transformed society unto Christ. As Christians we ought to know the richness of Advent. In doing so we can engage with today’s culture and provide our children the weighty history our modern Christmas sits upon. To pass on the faith to our children we must recount stories of the past. Retelling the stories of how Christendom transformed societies, as it advanced through the world is important. Kids love hearing dad or mum show how the sacrifices of yesterday’s saints provided the seedbed for today’s Church. Take the opportunity to tell and show your children/grandchildren how the mustard seed is growing. The Gospel continues to bring light and life to individuals, families and nations. Our blessed national state of peace and prosperity has nothing to do with some sort of “common grace.” Peace can only flow from its Prince through the preaching, obeying and living of the Gospel. Christ alone transforms lives, families and societies. When the Church (i.e. body) walks in the steps of Jesus (i.e. head) God brings victory in history.

  Here is a tool that will help you and your family stay focused on Christ the King throughout the busy month of December. One of our elders first wrote Advent and Christmas in Family Worship to help the families in his congregation, and he's graciously allowed us to print his book and make it available to you as well. This booklet will guide you in simple family worship times that celebrate Christ and His coming. Four weeks of devotionals weave together the Old Testament prophecies of our Savior and their New Testament fulfillments, leading up to Christmas Day. Each day has a short reading, several Bible verses to read, and a hymn or carol to sing together. Advent and Christmas in Family Worship includes: Readings and discussions for each day during the four weeks of Advent Hymns and carols that coordinate with each reading An explanation of the Advent season and Advent Wreaths Fun Advent projects and crafts to do with your children If you want your Christmas season this year to be focused on the full redemptive work of Christ the King, this booklet will help you. Other families both in and outside of our congregation have been blessed by their use of this excellent resource. The Hayes family and the Forsters at Doorposts hope this booklet will be a blessing to you and your family this Advent season!