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As Christians around the world mark the Advent season, preparations are in full swing in the place where it all started, Bethlehem, to celebrate that one story that lies at the heart of all Christian traditions, as shown in this photo essay
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“If God became present two thousand years ago when regular people followed his leading, there is an implication that God will continue to do extraordinary things when regular people follow his leading today,” says Bishop Cam Venables, Archbishop’s Commissary
“By being respectful in challenging conversations, helping people who are in need and taking time to be with people who are lonely, we are being a welcoming community. Just as the whole community – the shepherds, kings and animals – came together to be with the vulnerable baby in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, it is important for our community members to be there for those who are vulnerable,” says Parish of North Pine’s and AYCF’s, Tapiwanashe Masvaure
“The script we developed for our nativity film has fun songs, a novel and engaging plot and some cracking one-liners…The songs are upbeat, fun and catchy. They are intentionally simple enough for children as young as three years old, with adults up to 70 also participating, so it’s very intergenerational,” say Shona, Toby and Eleanor Bailey about their Straw & Order nativity short film, while inviting churches, schools and ministries to use their four-part movie as a resource in the lead up to Christmas
“At my Parish of Sandgate-Northpoint, I once witnessed a baptism where a young child with the hugest of smiles was taking in all around him, aware that something very special was happening. I observed how laid back this child was, despite the buzz of activity, accepting the baptism and the ensuing applause with grace,” says Margaret Humphries from GFS – An Anglican Ministry and the Parish of Sandgate-Northpoint
The late David Alan Binns (1942-2008), who was an Anglican priest and prolific artist in our Diocese, used his art as a teaching tool. His artworks were often redolent with images of the story told in the everyday. One particular series, Saints in the Suburbs, inspired by the nativity narrative and painted by David for exhibition in Cathedrals Week in 2002, is returning to the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist during this coming Advent season
“‘Advent’ is the root of the word ‘adventure’. May this and every Advent fill you with a sense of adventure, wonder and delight,” says The Rev’d Canon Dr Marian Free, while offering liturgy suggestions for the Advent season
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